“If Christianity were only about finding a group of people that shared openly their search for God and allowed anyone — regardless of behavior — to seek too… a group that collectively lived by faith to make the world a little more like Heaven, would you be interested? ”
“Hell yes,” was his reply. “Are there churches like that?”
– Hugh Halter & Matt Smay
– Hugh Halter & Matt Smay
The question then posed to us was to consider the connection between religion and love. And here is where I feel really lucky. Because, except for a few interpersonal situations (which happen everywhere), I have always felt that religion (at least at Old First, in the UCC, and in the Sherr household) is about love and forgiveness and acceptance. I LOVE the "No matter who you are or where you are in life's journey" slogan that we so often express at OFR and in the UCC. And, as I was saying to some people tonight, I believe that all religions are similar in that loving one and other (and oneself) is at the core of it all. I have a lot of self doubts, but I have been lucky in that I have always felt loved and, thus, have been able to love myself. This has more to do with my family of origin (from good ol' 911 S. 47th Street) and my current family (of Oaklyn, NJ). The foundation set by my parents and my sister that Sarah and I have been able to build upon with our kids has been constantly love-filled. I am blessed in that, for certain. I know many who have not had the benefits I have when it comes to this area. And for them, I pray they can feel as loved as I have and I do.
As Psalm 139 states
"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts."
And let my heart and thoughts be filled with love for others, and also for myself.
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