This week I was a part of the annual DART Clergy Conference, a gathering of religious leaders from around the country engaged in the work of justice. I considered stories of my own, heard countless others, and was reminded that, as with any worthwhile, faithful effort, there will be pushback, counterarguments, barriers, disagreement.
It’s gotten me thinking – this conference and our current political climate that feels, if nothing else, so very loud – that we live in a time where many identify themselves more strongly by who is their enemy or what they oppose than what they believe. Where disagreement is a platform and the categorization of our enemies form us. It’s a sad way to live, but anger is powerful so it works. Not for those who are angry, but for those whom that anger keeps in power.
It’s to that reality that our theology speaks with an idea we’re calling Embrace Widely in this fourth week of the Wesleyan Rooted worship series. An invitation to avoid being so enmeshed in what divides us that we miss the greater truth that connects us, and the greater kingdom available to those willing to live into that truth. Or, as Wesley writes in his sermon Catholic Spirit:
“Although a difference in opinions or modes of worship may prevent an entire external union, yet need it prevent our union in affection? Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences. These remaining as they are, they may forward one another in love and in good works.”
The phrase “though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike?” is one of the more famous snippets of John Wesley’s, but what grabs me most of all in this sermon this week was a shorter one: “these smaller differences.” It almost feels like JW either didn’t get it, or wasn’t aware of just how amplified our differences would become by 2025. Small differences… small?!
And yet… yeah. Small. Tiny. Infinitesimally so when compared to the infinite grace of God. Miniscule up against God’s loving work of creation and reconciliation. Helplessly small when compared to the wholeness and completeness we are called to in God’s kingdom (Matthew 5:48) which is so very different than the powers and principalities of the world.
This is why we recognize the call to Embrace Widely. Why we are reminded that our love for others requires action – as we considered last week – and that those we live out that love for runs wider than our disagreements, broader than those we prefer or are even comfortable with. But we are called to love, and that call includes loving those different from us, and those who are difficult for us to love.
If that makes you uncomfortable, then I have just two things to say to you: First, you are in good company. Or, more accurately: we are in good company. With the first of Jesus’ disciples and most-if-not-all since, we continue to prefer “us and them”, even as we thank God that God did not have such a dismissive approach for us.
And second, that’s what church is for. To gather as those redeemed and in need of God’s love. To acknowledge we don’t have it all figured out and find in our common struggles and common savior an opportunity that, even though we may not think alike, we can love alike. Hope to see you there.
-Ben
