Loving Like Jesus

by Mrs. Lisa Walker

ey say that bad times bring out the _________ in you.

I am sure that during this time of pandemic, we can think of several words to ll that blank. We see the best in people who are reaching out and checking in to help their neighbors. We see people volunteering to pick up and deliver groceries, and we see nurses traveling to di erent parts of the country to serve on the front lines. We have also seen the worst in people who are yelling at or trying to guilt people to wear a mask or not to wear a mask, to stay home or not stay home, to open the church building or wait longer. Unfortunately, there have been people who have shown hatred.

Another word we could put in that blank is real. e true you tends to show up when the pressure is on. In a recent youth meeting at a Chinese church, we were studying John on the topic of loving like Jesus. In the context of discussing how we can show love during this time of quarantine, one young man asked, “How do we show love while dealing with heightened xenophobia towards Asian-Americans in this time...” I immediately experienced a range of emotions. I was both impressed and proud that he would ask such a question, angry that my kids were feeling hurt and attacked, heartbroken that such was their reality, even coming from some who dared call themselves Christ-followers. In response to his 16 The Connection

question, we talked about being steadfast in their walk with God, being bold in their faith, asking Christ to help them love those who hate them, loving as Christ loves. I have thought about that moment several times since then.

I have seen that sentiment play out over and over with our immigrant and ethnic brothers and sisters. Rather than being helped and loved, they are often blamed and shunned. I cry and ask why. Here is what we all need to remember: in the Gospel of John, Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34, ESV). Galatians 5:22-23 says that the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” 1 Corinthians 13 says “the greatest of these is love.”

Do a fruit check: is your life lled with the Fruit and love of the Spirit? We must love all, not just those like us, but EVERYONE, in ALL circumstances.

For a Christian, the statement should read, “ e bad times bring out Jesus in you.”

Rev. Lisa Walker is the Chairman of the EMC Department of Multicultural Ministries.

e Board of Directors would like to welcome Rev. Ron Smith, Ph.D. as the new president of the Francis Asbury Society (FAS). Dr. Smith is no stranger to the Society, serving as the chief executive o cer on two previous occasions and as an FAS evangelist for over twenty years. He is a graduate of Asbury University, Asbury eological Seminary, Princeton eological Seminary, and Drew University, where he was awarded his doctorate in Church history. Dr. Smith is the former president of Wesley Biblical Seminary and recently retired as an ordained elder from the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference of e United Methodist Church, where he pastored some of the conference’s largest churches. He brings great wisdom, experience, and commitment to the Society’s call “to spread Scriptural holiness” throughout the world.

Please join with the Board as we pray for the new president, Dr. Ron Smith, and celebrate the leadership of our former president, Rev. Stan Key. Dr. Chris Bounds Chair of the Francis Asbury Society Board of Directors