Unconditionally

GUEST BLOGGER: Kevin Wilhelm

“This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another” 1 John 3:11

I’ve spent much time lately reflecting what faith has to say to me regarding current events which have pretty much rocked the world for so many.

I think about unconditional love and how incredibly powerful it is.  To know God loves us all the same no matter what.  I think about how Jesus always expressed love for everyone but made sure to lift up people society had oppressed and often treated unjustly – the poor, widows, orphans, prisoners -  to name a few that are most commonly cited in His Word.  He called us back then and calls us now to pay special attention to people who society has and still does treat unjustly. 

I don’t think Jesus judged people’s circumstances that led them to be marginalized in order to love them.  He didn’t assess their worthiness of His love.  He just loved them because they were His and encouraged everyone else to love them as well.  Jesus sometimes called out people who were oppressing others yet always modeled love in his actions, words and behavior.  

I think about people who continue to be oppressed.  I believe with my whole heart that today Jesus is calling us to lift up our black and brown brothers and sisters.  Not that He loves them more because, yes indeed, all lives matter to Him.  But I believe He wants us to pay attention to unjust treatment, to see what is going on in our neighborhoods, our state, our nation and our world.  He is forcing His attention, and thus our attention, on black and brown people because He wants us to love each other unconditionally as He does.  

I think about my priorities.  Love God first by way way way way way more than anything or anyone else.  We honor God by setting him far above our country and even our own families.  Lately I hear a lot more talk about country than I do God from many people.  From Christians and non-Christians.  Of course we should love our country, our families and our church but only second to our God.  

I think about my recent struggles to have difficult conversations about racism with some of my fellow believers.  At times I’ve failed myself, and more importantly, I’ve failed God, because I haven’t let Him be the focus of our conversations.  I’ve had to apologize for my pride getting in the way.  I need to do better.  I need to let go of my ego, to surrender this to God.  He is truly the only solution.  

When I’m confused or hurt or doubtful I turn to the Bible.  I want His advice on what to do, how to think and act. “Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and one purpose.”  Philippians 2:2.  

I think that’s all I need to know.  Keep it simple.  Love each other, be united in Christ and make God happy.