There are 613 laws in the Old Testament and 1050 Commandments in the New Testament. Rules are important; they provide structure, organization and fairness. Rules make choices easier and give guidance and protections as we live together. But all the rules in the Bible can be lumped into one…Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Love fulfils the law.
So, what do we do when someone doesn’t follow the rules, behaves outside the parameters, brakes trusts and creates conflict? As a church community, we are a diverse group of people…some with whom we may experience conflict. When someone sins against us, we are called to reconciliation. Don’t sweep it under the rug or tell another person about it. Jesus encourages us to continue that relationship with mercy and grace, going directly to the person with an open and humble heart.
Today’s Gospel lesson says if someone doesn’t want to be involved in reconciliation treat them as tax collectors. Or like the Gentiles who are seen as outsiders because of their beliefs. How did Jesus treat Gentiles and tax collectors? He ate with them, spent time with them and was merciful and forgiving with them. This angered many of the religious community, but it pointed the way to reconciliation …reaching out with mercy and love to all of Gods children.
Pastor Beth encourages us to reach out to someone with whom we have a strained relationship. Like she says, it’s not always easy, and at times even “down right hard”! But Jesus is with us to show us how. What makes us the body of Christ is how we go about solving the conflict, with the heart and hands of Christ.
To listen to the Gospel and Sermon for September 7 click the link below.