Embracing Reality Through Divine Love: A Journey of Faith and Action (02/24/'24)*

Embracing Reality Through Divine Love: A Journey of Faith and Action In the midst of the tumultuous landscape we navigate, the delineation between reality and illusion often becomes indistinct. We find ourselves shrouded in a mist of delusion and suffering, where the concrete aspects of our existence occasionally echo the ephemeral nature of hallucinations, and conversely, the ephemeral can take on the solidity of reality. It beckons us to genuinely engage with the complexities of our existence, guided by the profound principle that "Loving God is loving your neighbor as yourself, reality infused with God's love." This principle serves as an invaluable compass on our journey through life, encouraging us to view our reality through the lens of divine love. The root of all human conflict can be traced back to the disconnect between our words and actions. The premise that action should precede speech underscores the potential misalignment when our declarations outpace our deeds. Within this framework, there exists a spectrum of discourse: words that necessitate good deeds, those that cannot be translated into tangible action, and those that call for immediate implementation. The gospel of Christ emerges as a beacon of timeless relevance, challenging the perception of its antiquity with its adaptability to the fluid dynamics of our world. To cast it aside for future consideration is to do it a grave injustice. Faith in the gospel allows us to anchor our past and future in the solidity of present actions and words, thereby dissolving the grounds for conflict rooted in their misalignment. The gospel advocates for a paradigm of 'doing' before 'talking,' a stance that becomes attainable through the lens of faith and discipleship. At the heart of Jesus' teachings lies an intricate connection with the essence of human nature. The gospel reveals how God's grace, through Christ, rejuvenates our fractured nature. It is pivotal to recognize that the gospel's emergence is deeply rooted in the human condition, unswayed by extraneous factors. Thus, embracing and living according to the gospel's core should be approached with mindfulness and simplicity. This journey of faith and practice unfolds naturally, akin to the instinctual efforts of a child learning to walk soon after birth. Such an approach to the gospel reflects a natural and beautiful progression of growth, highlighting the innate capacity for renewal and understanding within us all. Pastor Steven G. Lee (February 24, 2024)