Note from Pastor Rachel: Last weekend in worship, we made a sudden pivot following the tragic events from the Wednesday before at the U.S. Capitol. It was a mess. Yet we recognized, there is always hope. Because of Jesus, we can be different, love different, live different, hope different and still be a beloved community united under one banner – Jesus is Lord. Where the world around us creates “otherness” divisiveness and barriers, we choose instead to build bridges (Ephesians 2:14-17). Bridge building starts by listening well to others, others who may not look like you, dress like you or vote like you. This past weekend I invited one of the best bridge builders I know, Worship and Music Ministry Director Chris Wingfield, to share his heart with our church family during part of my message. Chris’ thoughts are repeated below for all who are seeking to “listen well” either again, or for the very first time.

Do you find yourself really angry with or hating other brothers and sisters because of their political differences, race, etc.?
 
As we look at the state of the world right now it can be a little discouraging and painful to watch. We see racial divide, injustice, poverty and political divide that are moving us to hate one another. We take our hate and frustration out on our sisters and brothers, thinking they are the source. God has taught us repeatedly to love our neighbors and not hate them. "Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen" (1 John 4:20). 
 
The Lord has shown us the proper place for HATE. Yes! You read that correctly! HATE has a place. Let's look at Psalm 97:10: "Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked." 
 
Did you catch that? "Those who love the Lord, hate evil…" We have to direct our hate towards evil. When we do this, the devil can no longer hide behind people. We tend to hate the person and not the evil driving the person. What does that mean, you ask? It means I must love my neighbors enough to want to see them free from the evil (the devil’s schemes, manipulative devices and lies) that I hate. It also means we must love our enemies (Luke 6:27). 
 
I hear you saying, "Chris, it’s the people that I am struggling with." Let's look at Ephesians 6:12: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Remember, if the devil can keep the fight between flesh and blood, we will never address the devil (evil) as the source. 
 
So today, let's stand against the evil we hate by loving the Lord and loving our sisters and brothers. Don't fear me or hate me. Love me enough to want to see me doing well in the kingdom of God. 
 
You are deeply loved, highly favored and truly blessed! 

Chris Wingfield
Worship and Music Ministry Director

Last weekend’s message, along with messages from other local churches, was featured in the Dayton Daily News. Find the article here.