“My dear,
In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.
In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile.
In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm.
I realized, through it all, that…
In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.
Truly yours,
Albert Camus”(French philosopher/author)
Were you taught growing up that good girls and boys do what you’re told, even when it doesn’t make sense to you? Were you also taught that Jesus loves everyone and also that some people are not worthy of our love or kindness? Were you told that if you work hard, you can be successful and achieve your dreams? Were you also told that the reason you aren’t succeeding is because someone else is taking your tax dollars and not working or entering the county illegally and taking your jobs? Were you led to believe that there is only one right way to vote, and that people who don’t vote or believe the same as you are the enemy? Did you come to believe that all Christians must fight as warriors for Jesus against the forces of evil?
I learned many of these things and believed most of them for a long time. Somewhere along the way, I realized that God created me with an amazing brain capable of discerning what is right or true from what is wrong or false. I remembered that God has given us freedom of choice and trusted us to make our own decisions. So if God thinks I am capable of thinking for myself, I guess I can trust my own thoughts and instincts. I can also course-correct when I realize that I have been wrong or misinformed. It’s not always easy to admit you’ve been wrong or to shift long-held beliefs, but it is possible with a little humility and an open heart.
From my earliest childhood I learned about Jesus loving me and ALL the children of the world, no exceptions. I learned that Jesus wants us to love our neighbor and be kind to the stranger in our land. Jesus said that whatever you do for “the least of these” you do for him(Matthew 25). Jesus said to love our enemies and bless those who curse or hate us(Matthew 5).
Paul said, “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) Paul also wrote about being taught false beliefs, and a different gospel: “You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed.” (2 Corinthians 11:4) “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:6-8)
If I find myself following a different gospel or a different version of Christ that tells me it’s ok to hate and kill, to lie and cheat, to take from the least of these and give to the richest of these… maybe it’s time to change course and rediscover the invincible love of God for every person. It’s important to remember that we are all works in progress and are capable of growing and changing. Maybe he is “still making me” like Audrey Assad so beautifully sings in this song.