Nicodemus Monologue http://resources.mennonitechurch.ca/FileDownload/12314/Nicodemus_monologue.pdf
In a book[i] I was
reading this week; the author talks of different kinds of love.
“for-who-you-are” kind of love and
“for-who-you-are” kind of love and
“in-spite-of”
kind of love.
I would add “because-of-what-you-do”
kind of love.
In considering
this passage from John’s gospel, the way we think about God’s loves for us,
will have an impact on how we understand this passage.
If we think
God loves us in spite of our faults and failings,
then we will feel anxious. What if we fail too many times?
then we will feel anxious. What if we fail too many times?
If we think God
loves us because we are good or kind,
we are likely to feel judged. How good is good enough?
we are likely to feel judged. How good is good enough?
But if we
think that God loves us “for-who-you-are”,
we might read and understand this passage differently.
we might read and understand this passage differently.
And as much
as I would like to be able to understand much more of the Bible in terms of knowledge,
belief and faith are not about up here [head].
“the word belief, before
our modern, scientific age, wasn't about statements or theories--it was
directed toward a person: to hold dear, to prize, to commit oneself to that
person, to be in a relationship with that person whom we trust….
Most simply, to believe meant to love. …. Faith is about beloving God" [ii]
Most simply, to believe meant to love. …. Faith is about beloving God" [ii]
Nicodemus was
so concerned with knowledge and the physical world, he missed much of what God
was saying to him.
I wonder what
we miss that God is telling us or showing us?
….
Maybe like
me, it is at night that questions and concerns come to the surface of your mind.
The busyness of our days
the noise of TV and radio and
the world around us
can distract us from those things that most concern us.
Have I stuffed up big time?
The busyness of our days
the noise of TV and radio and
the world around us
can distract us from those things that most concern us.
Have I stuffed up big time?
What if I had
done ….
Is this pain
something serious?
Am I really
loved by God?
Does
my life mean anything?
….
A Story of Love
