A Four Letter Word

I saw a headline this week in the Star Tribune that stated more than $18 million dollars has been spent on the Marriage Amendment vote that is coming up next week.  That's a lot of money!  And no doubt you have seen the yard signs, billboards, flyers in the mail, TV ads and countless articles and commentaries on this issue.

I believe it is an important issue.  But even more important, have been a number of blog posts, articles and even sermons from our own pastor regarding the bigger issue -- the eternal issue if you will. This issue is controversial and will remain so after the election, no matter which block of voters win.  But many in the evangelical world have encouraged other believers to use a four-letter word: love.

I was reminded this week of the story in the Bible about the woman caught in adultery.  There were many from 'the church' to accuse her; to stone her and actually kill her for her deed.  They bring her to Jesus and he quietly draws in the dirt.  (Someday we'll find out if it was anything in particular or if He was just thinking.  It's one of those; Why is this in the Bible questions.)  He suggests that the ones who were innocent should throw the first stone.  He didn't say; "Get a bigger stone."  He just showed her love, even though she was guilty.

The Bible doesn't indicate that this lady turned her life around and became a follower of Christ.  Jesus did say, 'go and sin no more'.  And perhaps she did change, particularly after someone showed her such love when she knew her life was on the line.

Paul Young (author of The Shack and someone familiar with controversy as well) once said; "It's easier to be right than it is to love."  Think about it.  That's really true, isn't it?

After November 7th, let's keep that in mind.  No matter the outcome of the vote, let's show the love of God to all people.  That's the bigger issue.