Claiming *Our People*

[NathanATX]

Remember the story of the prodigal son...?

While he was still in his mess, still covered in crap from the pig trough... his father claimed him.

Jesus used this story to teach about God's love for us... that God claims us, even when we've made a mess of things.

How amazing would it be if we began claiming one another?

"You ARE my brother."
"You ARE my sister."
"You ARE me."
"I AM you."

That's easy enough when it's someone we care about who cares about us and everything is grand between us.

It's not so easy to do when it's someone who has set themselves against us... our oppressors.

It's not so easy to do with someone who *is* one of us, but makes huge mistakes that result in little victories for our oppressors.

Like Ted Haggard. Like Senator Craig.

What would be possible if we all stood up for Senator Craig?

In spite of all he has done to harm us. In spite of the very unattractive things he's accused of doing.

What if we proudly said to the world, "Back off... he's one of ours."... instead of distancing ourselves and our community from "people like him."

When will we realize that *everyone* is "our people?"

[BrentRichards]

Well said, Nathan. Who is my neighbor, indeed?

[Alecto]

I think it's only fair to mention...the prodigal son did decide to come home before he got his welcome. And I won't lie: I'm not sure I'm at a place where I'm capable of that if those mentioned did want to come "home", but I can tell you for a fact I'm not in a place where I can do it when they don't.

[u-dog]

I think it's only fair to mention...the prodigal son did decide to come home before he got his welcome. And I won't lie: I'm not sure I'm at a place where I'm capable of that if those mentioned did want to come "home", but I can tell you for a fact I'm not in a place where I can do it when they don't.


Actually, the Father saw him when "he was a long way off" and ran to meet him which suggests that he was out standing in the front yard looking for him. He was clearly not sitting in his recliner reading the paper. "Oh... its you"

but ... none of us are God are we? we just have to do the best we can

[BruceChris]

Love the sinner, but refuse to allow the sin.

As has been pointed out, it is very difficult to do this and still be either consistent or loving. Never the less, this process of reconciling the apparently irreconcilable is something that we must strive to do, again and again, to do God's work.

We cannot simply chose between "Love Won Out" or "Truth Won Out", we have to bring then together. We must continuously be reconciling our truth, and our love, both of which are imperfect.

So, how best can we love the hypocrite and yet refuse to allow any legitimacy to the hypocrisy?

How can we embrace the hypocrite, and still get the message out?

Peace and Love, Bruce Chris