In the last post, I spoke about how God calls us to attachment-love, a specific kind of love, not the anything goes, put-flowers-in-your-hair kind of love I embraced as a hippie. The word ‘attachment’ qualifies God’s love very well because it’s a love that will not let go until it is utterly and finally rejected by the beloved.
As we saw last time, God attaches himself to us with a greater bond than that of a nursing mother to her baby. Jesus showed us this commitment on the cross.
But the next move he makes completely discombobulates us. Jesus says, “Love one another with the same attachment-love I have for you!” Wait a minute, love others like you did when you died for us? “Exactly!”
But how can we possibly do that? Maybe we can see this love in the marriage ideal. We vow to attach ourselves to one another “until death do us part.” Hopefully, the rest of the family also participates in a love like this. If you’re fortunate, you may have one or two friends with whom you share the understanding of a life-long commitment.
But what about beyond that? What about the church, the community Jesus specifically wants to build with his attachment-love?
And here I turn it over to you.
Have you ever been a part of a church or fellowship where you experienced this kind of attachment-love?
Does your church preach this sort of commitment to each other? If so, what does it look like? How do they say it will happen?
My biggest disappointment in twenty-seven years of pastoral ministry is not seeing this kind of fellowship come to fruition. Nevertheless, I still find that the power of this vision draws me on and fills me with hope. Is it possible?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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