A Holy Love.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whosoever believeth in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

"The church [during the Civil Rights era] understood that it was called out to do something for God." (Pastor Althea)

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Althea spoke of the writings of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a practical example of the work of holiness in the life of the Christian. As we draw near to God in pursuit of holiness, God speaks to us concerning our life and the life of our community, state, nation, and world. And, as He speaks to us, we experience the crisis of faith concerning the authenticity of our love for God and each other.

Our pastor asked us the same question Dr. King asked himself: "How do I love the person who has assaulted me?" In and of ourselves, we cannot. It is only the power of God, the grace of God, and the love of God operating in us that can bring us to a place of authentic love for the unlovely.

One of the astounding aspects of the love of God for the world is that He made provision for our deliverance even though we, in our sinful state, had no desire or interest in being delivered. God made the provision first, then gave us the opportunity to accept what He had already done.

For those of us who have accepted His offer of deliverance, God has empowered and called us to be a prophetic presence in the Bronx and in the world. We express His goodness by loving as He loved. That is, we take the initiative; we lead the way; we demonstrate to the community what it means to love the unlovable; we love in accurate reflection of our great God, who is Love.

There is a particular Power resident in us which gives us the capacity for such a love. It is the power that raised Jesus from the dead. It is the power of the Holy Spirit. He is the power that is so desperately needed by the people of the world, so that our world of hatred and self-centeredness can be transformed into a world of authentic love for God and for one another.

Yes, holiness is what we long for. Lord, it is only by Your Spirit that we can love the unlovely: pour Your grace into us, that we might live this life of love.