Journal of Sacred Work

   We can only discuss the unknown with the language we know.  So whenever we reflect on our worth to God, we can only use our human-wrought words. This means we can, at best, only brush the hem of God's truth.

   Since God is Love and Love can only Love, than we have worth to God regardless of our actions. We are responsible for our actions only in this world. Here, we are accountable to each other and to ourselves. 

   This is among the hardest of concepts. A large portion of the world believes that the more good actions we take, the higher will be our position in the the imagined hierarchy of heaven. 

   But, let's assume this is not so – that Love is a stream that flows independent of our actions. No matter what we do, God Loves us because God can only Love.

   Does it matter how we behave? It matters in this world, if not in the next.

   In modern times, the classic example of evil incarnate is Adolf Hitler. Can God Love Hitler? Since Love can only Love, we already know the answer.

   We, on the other hand, can condemn Hitler as one of the most horrifying examples of a human being. Hitler made a mockery of caregiving. He was a monster we believe is barely entitled to be called human.

   How remarkable it is that God's Love is so great that it can encompass the worst among us.

   In the parable of the Good Samaritan, what are we to think of the priest and the one who followed him? Jesus wants us to understand how we are to love in this world. Jesus does not say that God loves the Good Samaritan more than the rest. Only that the Samaritan shows us Love's highest human path. 

   Now comes the hardest test. If we accept the truth of God's Love as raining down equally does this mean we receive no credit for the loving things we have done? 

   If we seek credit, we do so in vain. The lonely truth is that loving care can only be its own reward.  

   We go forth as imperfect beings to love others … or not. We can always choose fear over Love. We can always choose selfish comfort versus selfless sacrifice.

   The decision lies exclusively with each of us. It is a decision we make within each moment. God does not compel us to choose. 

   That is what the suffering patient down the hall is wondering about you. Will you elect the path of indifference? Or will you choose to offer Love to soften the face of his pain.

   Can you choose Love even if you receive no credit on earth or in heaven? 

-Reverend Erie Chapman

Shape Study #2 – Copyright Erie Chapman 2011