“While he was on earth, living out each day with his friends, Jesus said that his followers would be known by their love (John 13:35). And in fact, he tended to avoid those who considered themselves knowledgeable experts about things of God, venturing instead toward those who were confused, searching, questioning, rejected, entirely lost.”- Catherine McNiel and Jason Hague
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”- John 13:35 (NIV)
In Chapter 8 (When Our Beliefs Collapsed”) of Mid-Faith Crisis, Catherine McNiel and Jason Hague assert that it’s been a long, long time since Christians were known primarily for our love. Hence, the invitation before us involves this. To walk away from formulaic narratives into a more robust, mature story. Rather than a new set of precepts and certainties. Or a new way to define who’s ‘in’ and who’s ‘out.’
Therefore, Catherine and Jason underscore:
“Our destination is mor expansive that that, more life-giving, and much more challenging to get to: resting in the love of God without having all the answers — or, possibly, any of the answers. We are infants in God’s arms, and he has never asked us to transcend our mortal limits and attain omniscience or perfection.”
However, the author’s counsels, to do this, we need to quiet our screaming nervous system. Because we must learn to rest in unknowing, mystery, and trust. To understand that God never claimed to judge us based on acing a doctrinal test.
As a result, Catherine and Jason advocate that we approach apparent contradictions with curiosity and humility. Not with pridefulness and fear. Because the patient, accepting love of Jesus never asks us to figure everything out before we can be included and loved.
In conclusion, the authors suggest, one place to begin is with the prayer of Bartimaeus, the blind man. When Jesus passed by, he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47).
Quiet and stilled, as trusting children we prepare to receive God’s love and mercy — no strings attached.
Today’s question: How do you balance love and knowledge in your Christian witness? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “One-way ticket to the mountaintop?”