Love wins.
“Love wins” is not just for hashtags or bumper-stickers. It is more than a statement; it is a way of being – a way intended for everyone all the time. It is a part of what it means for the kin-dom of God to be real for all people on the earth.
Today many of my dearest friends are disappointed by the result of the U.S. Presidential election. I stand with them in naming Trump’s vocabulary for what it has consistently been: opposed to the message of love wins.
Bishop Dwayne Royster, a UCC pastor and political director of People Improving Communities through Organizing (PICO), wrote these words last night about those who voted for Trump:
I believe the church that supported him shows what happens when human beings make theology in their own image. Deeply faithful people voted for a man that is sexist, racist, xenophobic, misogynistic, homophobic and war mongering. In the end, their vote reflects their faith.
So What?
Whoever you are and wherever you are on the journey of faith, life, and politics, a new day has come. It is a day when people of faith must live out their faith in all areas of life, including politics.
Neil Cazarares-Thomas, a MCC and now UCC pastor serving as senior minister at Cathedral of Hope, shared the following through the church’s Facebook page earlier today:
Regardless of where you stand on the election this week, we must work toward a society with fairness as a key value. We must continue to tell our truth, the truth of Jesus as we understand it.
To tell our truth that fear leads to division and unrest.
To tell the truth that equality and justice and peace are the values of Jesus.
To tell the truth that love is stronger than hate.
And, in that same spirit Bishop Royster calls followers of the Way of Jesus to be prophetic change agents working to ensure love wins:
Right now we need Prophets that will speak truth to power unequivocally and will speak truth to the people as well. We also need to be organized. It is evident that we need a major course correction. I am looking for folks that know “Love Wins”. I am not talking about an easy love where we all just feel good being together and everyone is happy. I am talking about a love that strives to go deep with honesty, agitation and truth so that we can build the Beloved Community of God.
Today each of us is called to action.
Followers of the Way of Jesus are a people of hope. We are a people of possibility. We are a people of action.
- What does “love wins” mean to you?
- Do you believe #LoveUltimatelyWins? If so, what are you doing and what will you do to make our country and our world a safe, peaceful, and just place for all people? What is your community of faith doing?