Choosing the Way of Love
Choosing the Way of Love
Like the true “romantic” that I’ve always been, I was glued to the TV to watch every detail of Prince Harry and Meghan’s (now, Duke & Duchess of Sussex) wedding. Her simple-appearing Givenchy dress on screen (but I’m sure the intricacies were there because I heard the cost was upwards to $350K), the powerful Gospel choir singing “Stand By Me” (I had goosebumps). Meghan’s mother’s sweetness and grace as she sat by herself and under such scrutiny, Prince Harry’s adoring look at his bride, the beautiful, but stone-wall faces of the Queen and many other guests, the adorable little bridesmaids and pageboys who seemed to be on their best behavior, and the pomp and circumstance of it all. Indeed it was a real life fairy-tale wedding.
But what fired me up with joy and delight was the most unexpected: the fiery, impassioned, and spiritually-charged sermon of Bishop Michael Curry. Oh my goodness, and thanks be to God!! Who would have thought we would be going to CHURCH? He was on a mission! It was estimated that over two billion people around the world watched the wedding and that means over two billion people heard the Good News story and message of Jesus Christ. It was all about LOVE!
Bishop Curry’s message was a far cry from what might be seen as a traditional, aristocratic sermon we might expect from a royal wedding. For 15 minutes, he emphasized the power of love. I MUST share some of his sermon: (for all of it, go to: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-44186049 )
“Someone once said that Jesus began the most revolutionary movement in human history. A movement grounded in the unconditional love of God for the world – and a movement mandating people to live that love, and in so doing to change not only their lives but the very life of the world itself. I’m talking about power. Real power. Power to change the world. If you don’t believe me, well, there were some old slaves in America’s Antebellum South who explained the dynamic power of love and why it has the power to transform. They explained it this way. They sang a spiritual, even in the midst of their captivity. It’s one that says ‘There is a balm in Gilead…’ a healing balm, something that can make things right. There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole, there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul. And one of the stanzas actually explains why. They said: ‘If you cannot preach like Peter, and you cannot pray like Paul, you just tell the love of Jesus, how he died to save us all. Oh, that’s the balm in Gilead! This way of love, it is the way of life. They got it. He died to save us all. He didn’t die for anything he could get out of it. Jesus did not get an honorary doctorate for dying. He gave up his life, He sacrificed his life for the good of others, for the well-being of the world… for us.” He continued…..
“That’s what love is. Love is not selfish and self-centered. Love can be sacrificial, and in so doing, becomes redemptive. And that way, unselfish, sacrificial, redemptive love changes lives, and it can change this world. If you don’t believe me, think and imagine a world where love is the way. Imagine our homes and families where love is the way. Imagine neighborhoods and communities where love is the way. Imagine governments and nations where love is the way. Imagine business and commerce where this love is the way. Imagine this tired old world where love is the way. When unselfish, sacrificial, redemptive love is the way, then no child will go to bed hungry in this world ever again. When love is the way, we will let justice roll down like a mighty stream and righteousness like an ever-flowing brook. When love is the way, poverty will become history. When love is the way, the earth will be a sanctuary. When love is the way, we will lay down our swords and shields, down by the riverside, to study war no more. When love is the way, there’s plenty good room – plenty good room – for all of God’s children. Because when love is the way, we actually treat each other, well… like we are actually family. When love is the way, we know that God is the source of us all, and we are brothers and sisters, children of God.”
Bishop Curry’s sermon was a bold, inspiring example of “Going into ALL the world and preaching the Good News”! It was rich in Christ’s death as the ultimate example of love. I know there are those who opposed such fiery words at a wedding, but I simply prayed that this message of love would be embraced by those of us who need it the most. John said in 1 John 4:7 “Let US love one another”. I LOVE that love. John included himself in that exhortation. He is telling us that everyone is called to love. And actions speak so much louder than words. It’s not enough to just say “I love you”. We really need to actually LOVE..
My cousin posted Bishop Curry’s photo and said, “My new hero!” I have to agree. No doubt he was scrutinized for such boldness. I don’t know which side you live on, but as for me, I plan to do my best to err on the side of love. I know it will serve me well as I purpose to sow seeds of love everywhere I go. How about you?