What's Love Got To Do With It?
According to Jesus, Love of God and neighbor is what we are required to do.
But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. — Revelation 2:4
I enrolled in seminary in September 2024, thinking the experience would make me a better writer. Not so much to improve my prose, though I admit it needs work. My goal is to base my stories on a firm foundation of sound theology. I do not want to throw my readers into an abyss of confusion. Yet the more I learn, the more I realize that our modern Christianity is the outcome of centuries of strife and confusion.
When were we not confused?
In the first and second centuries, when persecution was a normal part of being a Christian in the Roman empire, self-sacrificial Love was rampant amongst the congregations. Endurance was the priority. There was no space for pride. During that time, the last were first, and the first were last.1
Everything changed once the Roman Empire embraced Christianity during the 4th century. Sure, solid works such as the Nicene Creed emerged from that period, but it was also a time of Christian prosperity that eventually undermined the Church. I am now learning about the centuries following the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Reformation. We’ve only reached the year 800 and my head is spinning.
Where did the Love go?
Some may believe Jesus was admonishing the Ephesians in Revelation 2:4 for their lack of Love for himself. I think they stopped loving their neighbor.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
Are you ready to chose Love?
Lord God, creator of heaven and earth, we beg you to revive our love for each other. Give us your eyes to see our neighbor as you see them. Set our hearts towards them and not against them. Amen.
When were we not confused? and where did the love go?
Such good questions, Kim.
I can't wait for this class to be over. It's so depressing.