Summer is coming. And with that, swimming pool time. I know if you’re like me, you love to do a cannonball. That’s when you leave the edge of the pool running full sprint, leap in the air, tuck your legs under you and plunge into the water. You are going under and there is going to be a major splash.
That’s how God has called us to love people. You see, Jesus put no qualifiers on his statement in Mark 12. He simply said, “Love God. Love people.” He called us to love all people. Yes. those who have a different hair style or skin color or accent or worship style or have no eduction or more education…well you get the idea.
Jesus says that the love he offers is for everyone. Paul says in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.”
Think about what Peter said, the disciple handpicked by Jesus and who led the church in Jerusalem. In his great sermon on Pentecost, Peter told everyone that Jesus was for, well, everyone. Toward the end of the sermon, Peter reminded all those who were listening, “This promise [of salvation] is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called…”
As one reads through the letters of Paul, it is undeniable that Paul is hoping to get all his readers to see that God’s bubble is huge. God doesn’t want to lose anyone. God wants his entire creation in relationship with him. Paul wants all of us to see what it looks like when we choose to pop our bubbles and enter into the inclusive story God is creating in the world.
You can almost feel the emotional urgency Paul uses as he writes these words for us to live by in his letter to the Romans:
“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:9-17).
So, today, live in such a way that those around you will say you follow Jesus. Love and be active in that love. Create a cannonball of love that will splash on everyone around you. Choose your words. Choose your actions. Choose a life that screams you’re in love with Jesus and with his creation. Blessings on the journey.