"Love one another the way I loved you.... You are my friends, if you do what I command you." (John 15.12,14).
This week, during the Wisconsin Jerusalem Council process, I listened as several friends in ministry talked about their childhood and youth. At such early ages, church, faith, and religion, had placed fear and condemnation in their hearts. Along with them, I told my story. I told the story of how I had been kicked out of a church when I was a middle school student. Believe me, it wasn’t because I was such a rebel or rule breaker. That church was simply filled with fear, and, I’d say, broken and wounded by struggles for power.
The more I learn about and experience Jesus, the more I wonder why religion can lead us into such fear and condemnation of others. I guess it’s because like everything else that involves us human beings, religion is flawed and frail.
But as I live and move and listen to Jesus, I hear something much different. I experience love so deep that it takes one’s breath away. I feel embraced and safe. At the same gathering, I also heard amazing stories about how God is transforming fear and condemnation into grace and mercy.
"Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love" (1 John 4.8).
May this God who is love, who embodies love in the way of Jesus, guide us all in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Rev. Marty Carney
President
Wisconsin Ministers Council