Love is supposed to be the main thing, the most important thing. But, what is love? And what does it mean to love?
Our culture has an interested relationship with that term. We treat it so frivolously. We love everything: including things that we have no real relationship with. But then we only love that thing while we feel like it. When we no longer feel like it or when that thing upsets us, we no longer love. We even do this with the people in our lives. We take love as a choice…an option.
But what happens when that mentality exists in church? And what is the effect of that mentality on those who are looking for something more from religion? Our faulty interpretation of love has a detrimental effect on the church…actually, it’s killing the church.
Think about it: if you yourself haven’t been abused by the church, I’m sure you know someone who has. And, that experience makes it hard to come to church. I’ve seen it many times. I’ve seen it recently: a young lady had been hurt by so much. We talked and she said: “I like talking to you, even though you’re a priest. But, I don’t think I can come to church.”
It’s tragic, but I understand. Yet, it’s the hardest thing to change. Why? I think, because we completely misunderstand what the Christian definition of love is and how it either encourages or discourages the development of the body of Christ.
This is the exploration I’m making in this sermon. I’d really like to hear your thoughts. So please let me know what you think and how this might help your relationship with and commitment to the church.
