Jesus: the ultimate extremist for love

“I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it.”
– Dr. Maya Angelou

I’m finding that most people would agree on a few small things these days. Many seem to agree that the world is off kilter. Things are not the way they are supposed to be. Things are not as God originally intended from the beginning of time. We can at least agree on that.

And I’m learning that this moment requires discernment, adaptability, and the courage to say yes to the Jesus path of nonviolence. I’m learning that I must say yes now, over and again. Every day is a new gift to say yes to God’s boundary-breaking enemy love—for today.  

It seems we’re now standing on the edge of empathy. With so much uncertainty and fear looming through our invisible air and so many people perpetuating harmful rhetoric and White Christian Nationalism (WCN), we lose sight of our shared humanity. Narratives have the power to build the world we long for. Harmful narratives over long periods can also suddenly destroy the world in a matter of minutes. I’m learning that the power of narrative almost always precedes policy.

Narratives shape ecosystems for harm or the common good. I’m learning that how I perceive the Divine, myself, and my surroundings shape how I love my neighbor (or not). Jesus calls for us to love our enemies, for humility and mercy, to do good, bless, pray, give, lend, and to be merciful to those we admittedly disagree with, even those who intend to cause harm.

Sometimes, loving our enemies requires loving from a distance. We can pray from a distance. Love isn’t a doormat. And these days, I’m reminded that Jesus is always inviting his followers to widen the circle of grace, “to be at peace with all people as much as possible.”

What about when those who want to cause harm are suddenly face-to-face? Is my gut response love or hate, de-escalation or retaliation? What about systems that harm others? Am I willing to step in and work to change the system, or am I preoccupied with my own well-being? What if people of faith were known for their first response as peacebuilders in a divided world?

What I’m finding here along the US-MX border is that the border fence (wall) is like a mirror. It’s simply reflecting what’s been hidden in the corners of our nation for far too long. The mirror reflects the invisible walls in our neighborhoods, families, and communities and, if I’m honest, the walls within me. Who are we facing across the canyon as words, narratives, and weapons launch around the world? I’m learning that we’re facing ourselves. What if the call of Jesus is to look inward, inside the hidden corners of my own struggle—to face the fear within?

Jesus always takes it farther. Dr. Diane G. Chen describes the call of Jesus in Luke 6 as “unbalanced reciprocity.” It’s an over-the-top, extreme kind of love. It’s a love so good, so kind, so generous that people simply don’t know what to do in response: “Who’s this person? What God do they follow? Why are they not simply repaying evil for evil?”

I’m reminded that we need one another. We’re made for one another. God’s beauty and diversity are all around, and it’s a gift. You’re a gift. Our neighbors are a gift. Life is a gift. And while we often experience our wounds in community, Bell Hooks speaks: “Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.” When life feels full to the brim, overwhelming, when we feel frozen and unsure what to do next. When fear, anxiety, and isolation are pressing in, we find ourselves at a crossroads.

This quote wakes me up in the morning:
“God’s Best microphone is Christ.
Christ’s best microphone is the church.
And the church is all of you.”
– Archbishop Oscar Romero