Love in action
by Neil Bergmann
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Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited (Romans 12:16).
Read Romans 12:9–21
In recent years, our global society has become increasingly divided. While there have always been differing opinions on social and political matters, divisions now seem to be deeper and more entrenched, often with no real middle ground. It can sometimes feel as though ideas different from ours are not only wrong, but that the people who hold them are also seen as stupid, deluded or even evil.
We could speculate on the reasons for this, such as blaming social media, which rewards more extreme views. However, I think it is just an aspect of basic human nature, that is, what Paul called ‘the pattern of this world’ in yesterday’s reading from earlier in Romans 12.
Today’s reading suggests a different path. We should not be proud or conceited, believing that we have all the right answers and opinions. Part of our discipleship mission is to care for those in need, to practise hospitality, and to share God’s love with all. We are called to hate what is evil and love what is good. Somebody who has a different opinion, faith or lifestyle is not evil. Instead, the hatred caused by political and social divisions is evil. What is good is living in harmony with each other.
We cannot spread the love of God if we only associate with those who share our beliefs. Spreading the love of God through word and action requires us to move beyond our comfort zone.
We are all simultaneously a mixture of good and evil – saint and sinner. When we follow the patterns of behaviour that we see in the world around us, we emphasise the evil aspect. It is only when we turn to God and share God’s love for all humanity and all creation that God’s good shows through.
God of humility, help me to live in harmony with all. Take away my pride, greed, arrogance and self-deception. Fill me with your Spirit of love, so that I may learn to live in your kingdom of heaven, here on Earth. Amen.
Neil Bergmann worships at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Rochedale, Queensland. In addition to professional qualifications in engineering, he has coursework and research master’s degrees in theology, and he has just started a PhD at Australian Catholic University on the topic of catholicity and ecumenism.
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