Love is often described only in terms of a feeling or a virtue. For the followers of Jesus, love is an essential truth of God's character and a mandatory call. Love is from God, embodied in Jesus, and expressed through…
The Beatitudes of Jesus (Matthew 5:1-12) offer a roadmap of Jesus life, death, and resurrection. More than any list of commandments, the teachings of Jesus invite us all to deeper reflection of the virtues we seek each day. The Beatitudes…
Persecution is attractive to claim but difficult to endure. Followers of Jesus stand in a long line of those offered their all out of love and devotion to Christ. Life is sacred. All of it. “Blessed are those who have…
Peacemaking is not the same thing as fairness. A “fair” outcome is subjective depending on what side of a conflict we may ourselves. A better outcome is peace and reconciliation where relationships can be built and lives transformed in Christ.…
Purity in heart is about having a sense of integrity which informs our speech and actions. We each must learn the safety and skill needed to embrace authentic faith in Jesus. Fakers are increasingly easy to spot in a polarized…
Those filled with a sense of their own humility can better see the needs of others. Having a vision for righteousness and justice begins internally before it can find meaning outside of us. Taking positions is far too easy. Taking…
Humility is not holding oneself in poor esteem. An accurate understanding of one’s culture, position, experience, and privilege can open the door to new expressions of truth in Christ. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” –…
Our family just moved to Seattle from California. Like so many others who are moving at this time of year, especially to a place where we lack familiarity, there are always some surprises. Some of these surprises are welcomed and…
Too many religious people have their eyes set on heaven. Doing so keeps us from the work of compassion and justice that is needed in the world. When Jesus ascended, he promised that he would come again. Between these comings,…
There are moments in our lives when we are seeking direction. We pray and ask God to show the way. What we often mean is, “God, show me everything and the result, then I will decide.” Being a follower of…