The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Rev. Michael Curry has a way with words. He has joy and a laugh that are infectious. He has a heart for sharing the love of Jesus that is genuine and inspiring.
I commend to you his newest book published this past September entitled, Love is the Way: Holding onto Hope in Troubling Times.
Knowing that the United States presidential election would be contentious and that in its aftermath we would be living and working with people who felt very different from us about its results, Bishop Curry wrote this book in which he reminds us that the gospel message teaches that especially during these times, “Love is the way” – love is always the way.
In one chapter Bishop Curry writes about the “Ten Commandments of Nonviolence.” They were part of the training for all those taking part in the nonviolent struggle for Civil Rights in the 1950-60s. Dr. King asked all those who would march with him to sign cards which committed themselves to these ten commandments. The tenth was specific to marching, but Bishop Curry asks us to imagine a world in which even a percentage of Christians committed to these other nine:
- Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.
- Remember always that the non-violent movement seeks justice and reconciliation — not victory.
- Walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love.
- Pray daily to be used by God in order that all might be free.
- Sacrifice personal wishes in order that all might be free.
- Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.
- Seek to perform regular service for others and for the world.
- Refrain from the violence of fist, tongue, or heart.
- Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
Would you consider committing yourselves to these principles as we go forward as a nation? Which one will be the most difficult for you? Which one do you think is most important? How have you lived these already?
And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
In Christ,
Pastor Jen