When Jesus gathered for the last supper with his friends he gave them–and us–a new commandment. After washing their feet, he told them to ‘love one another as I have loved you.’
So…that looks good on a coffee mug but—how do we DO that? How do you love someone like Jesus loved you when they are gossiping about you? How do you love someone like Jesus loved you when their behavior is harming you? It’s hard enough to try and love Jesus the way Jesus loves us—but loving each other the way Jesus loves us feels dangerous, and that’s on the days it doesn’t feel impossible.
Many of us were taught that loving someone means being willing to sacrifice anything to keep them comfortable and happy at all costs. But—did Jesus do that? Sacrifice—yes. Make people happy and comfortable all the time—HECK no!
If loving one another can’t be measured by how people feel—how can we know when we are being loving in a faithful way? I’ve got a one word answer for you:
Boundaries.
I hope you’ll listen in—we’ll learn about setting, articulating and respecting boundaries. It’s the communal Christian practice that will make our church a lot more uncomfortable—and a LOT more healthy and loving.
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