Living In Love
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series IV, Cycle B
Object:
Living In Love
"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (vv. 9-12)
Linda Ching Sledge taught in a university English department that was rife with deep factions and bitter fighting. Professors had different opinions on everything from educational theory to interpreting poetry to the appropriate type of examinations. They openly expressed their opinions in unhealthy ways. Every gathering of faculty was a hostile encounter.
One of her co-workers named Gwen, the associate chair of the English department, was retiring after 23 years of teaching. The entire department faculty had gathered for her farewell reception, and eagerly awaited her farewell speech. Surely since she was on her way out, she would freely speak her mind. They wondered which side she would align herself with as she spoke the honest truth.
The noisy room fell to a silent hush as she began to speak. She began her speech by talking affectionately about all of her co-workers. She was complimentary toward them as she thanked them for their hard work, enthusiasm, and even their willingness to stand behind their beliefs. In the process, she mentioned every single professor by name.
People were absolutely shocked. This is not what they expected. They came to see the battle of the day and to gather more ammunition for future encounters. Instead she acted as a friend as she gave them a clear message, "Love one another."
Jesus expressed his friendship to us and then encouraged us to befriend each other. He said, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." If we know Jesus as a friend who loves us, we are called to share that love with others -- even if we are in an environment that is not conducive to love. This is not always easy, but when we know the love of God, we share it, as we love one another.
(Linda Ching Sledge, Daily Guidepost 1995 [Carmel, New York: Guidepost Associates, Inc., 1994], pp. 270-271.)
"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (vv. 9-12)
Linda Ching Sledge taught in a university English department that was rife with deep factions and bitter fighting. Professors had different opinions on everything from educational theory to interpreting poetry to the appropriate type of examinations. They openly expressed their opinions in unhealthy ways. Every gathering of faculty was a hostile encounter.
One of her co-workers named Gwen, the associate chair of the English department, was retiring after 23 years of teaching. The entire department faculty had gathered for her farewell reception, and eagerly awaited her farewell speech. Surely since she was on her way out, she would freely speak her mind. They wondered which side she would align herself with as she spoke the honest truth.
The noisy room fell to a silent hush as she began to speak. She began her speech by talking affectionately about all of her co-workers. She was complimentary toward them as she thanked them for their hard work, enthusiasm, and even their willingness to stand behind their beliefs. In the process, she mentioned every single professor by name.
People were absolutely shocked. This is not what they expected. They came to see the battle of the day and to gather more ammunition for future encounters. Instead she acted as a friend as she gave them a clear message, "Love one another."
Jesus expressed his friendship to us and then encouraged us to befriend each other. He said, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." If we know Jesus as a friend who loves us, we are called to share that love with others -- even if we are in an environment that is not conducive to love. This is not always easy, but when we know the love of God, we share it, as we love one another.
(Linda Ching Sledge, Daily Guidepost 1995 [Carmel, New York: Guidepost Associates, Inc., 1994], pp. 270-271.)
