Today’s Reflection
We can keep talking. In this conversation about sexuality, as with all of the other brave conversations, the goal is not to convince people of our beliefs or change anyone’s mind about the topic. It’s not the time for proof-texting scripture or for debating theological interpretations of the Bible. Rather, the purpose of this session is simply to listen—even if we might feel a little uncomfortable—for as long as we are able to do this brave work. I believe it is possible to keep talking about sexual orientation and gender identity with fellow Christians, even those with whom we disagree, if we can cultivate affection for one another and listen with compassion.
—Elizabeth Hagan, Brave Church: Tackling Tough Topics Together (Upper Room Books, 2021)
Today’s Question
What spiritual practices help you cultivate affection and compassion? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
—Romans 12:10 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Lord, grant me the patience and grace to listen, the courage and wisdom to question and speak; and the bravery to create safe space for tough topics.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Churches are not immune to violence, as we have seen from shootings at houses of worship across the nation. The challenge for faith communities is how to prepare for and respond to potential violence. In Whom Shall I Fear? Urgent Questions for Christians in an Age of Violence, author Rosalind Hughes asks congregational leaders to examine whether their operational and security policies are consistent with gospel values. Learn more here.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
3 Comments
Continuing to notice how Christ interacted, always engagable. Not necessarily trying to win a conversation, but to extend a conversation. In a humble way. I want the other person to feel heard and seen. Then, hopefully there is reciprocity. I want both parties to walk away feeling the better for having had the conversation.
Was to help my friend set up her canopy and pictures for an art show this morning – but when I woke up there was a text from her husband saying she was sick and wouldn’t be doing the show today. There is another show tomorrow at a different location, much closer to my home – and he will let me know if she is feeling up to tomorrow’s show. So, this morning has been a quiet morning, watching the women’s final at Wimbledon and a bit of golf. Trying to do some schoolwork also.
I have a retirement party to attend tonight. Would rather not go, but have already RSVP’d that I would be there. Will go late and leave early.
Worship in an inclusive congregation! And all God’s children said, “Amen!” God’s love is extended, offered, given to all creation. Thank You, Lord.
Warm and humid here in the valley. It’s not the heat and humidity of the South or the dry heat of the Southwest, but uncomfortable. Prayers for those in the South and Southwest. You are in more danger than here.
Church tomorrow. The current Bible study ends Tuesday.
Prayers for Ally & David,Julie, Megan, and h, Jill, Larry, Becky, Don, and friends, April, Gail, and Lou. Stay safe
Praying for others and being friends with a diverse group. I too worship in an inclusive congregation. Right now, I’m filling in as pianist for a small congregation in the country. I’m pretty sure it is not inclusive. My friend is interim pastor and asked me to help out nits on a Sunday to Sunday basis. I appreciate prayers for this church and for me as I serven as their musician.
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