08/24/2026
When I’m at a public gathering and folks learn I’m a minister, interesting conversations invariably unfold.
Some people share their church experiences, both good and bad. Others have genuine questions they’ve never previously felt safe asking.
Then there will be at least one person who, upon hearing what we’re about as a church, will say a variation of: “Well, I belong to a church that follows the Bible.”
And this is where it gets interesting!
They’ll say something along the line of they don’t accept certain people (fill in the blank) and certain ideas (fill in the blank) because to do so would be sinful. When I point out that Jesus condemned those who judged that way – who considered others sinful but not themselves – I’ll hear a variation of:
“Oh, I’m not saying we’re not all sinners, but …”
But … how do you fall short? What do you need to work on? How do you need to grow and change right now? Are you focused on that?
Ummm … The conversation quickly switches to something else.
The response is understandable. It’s hard to look inside and see the ways we fall short of love’s requirements. It’s much easier to invent reasons to reject others instead of focusing on what we need to work on.
What might that conversation sound like if we turned it around?
Perhaps …
Honestly, I really need to work on being a little more patient with myself and everyone else – and that’s really hard to do!
I really need to refuel my hope right now. I’m edging into cynicism, and that’s certainly not in the Spirit of God.
I really need to do some healing. I’ve been through a rough patch. I need to be with people who are healers.
I really, really, really need to give myself some Sabbath time – off my screens, away from the voice in my head telling me I need to do things on an endless loop.
I really need to work on being less judgmental.
I really need to pay attention to how people around me are suffering, and find ways to help them.
I really need to work on being more open-minded and less controlling.
I really need to set aside some time regularly to have real conversations with people – hear their stories, share they pains and joys and surprises.
I really need to pay more attention to the Spirit’s movement in my life and where I’m being nudged to go.
I really need to use my voice, my hands, my resources to build community for all God’s children.
And when I slip into that mindset of thinking I’m better than others or less than others – a mindset we all know -- I really need to step back and see through God’s eyes instead.
-- Joe
