Pastor Otten: The best kind of love is that which is genuine

Greetings from Faith Lutheran Church of Eldorado.

Romans 12:9 states, "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good." (ESV) Another translation reads, "Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good." (The Message)

There have been a number of political cartoons showing "rednecks" with bass boats helping to rescue people in Houston. The cartoons centered on people who seem to be understood by some as hate mongers, yet helping those who they might find as their opposition. No doubt Harvey and Irma have refocused many to aid those caught in these storms. Yet, does that mean that love has conquered?

I know after 9/11 there was a great show of unity. Old Glory was flying from more homes that ever before, but some of that was short-lived. The most lasting change that I have noticed was the attitude Americans had toward military members.

Seeing suffering can change our view of others. Romans changed their view of Christians because they passively suffered for their faith. They would not fight in the coloseum, but imitated their Savior in their death. The change was not overnight. We have been a nation for 241 years, and World War II might have been the time we were most united. Yet even after the war, African American service members came home to a nation that still had signs over drinking fountains, bathrooms and other public facilities that read either "Whites" or "Colored."

I know that as long as we live on this side of eternity, there will be hatred, wars and rumors of wars. Yet I pray that love will flower and be genuine not only in our aid to victims of Harvey and Irma, but in all we do. Those we may find most difficult to show love to are not those a thousand miles away, but in our family and community. It is easy for many to throw some money at a problem without concern for the individuals. It can even be an act of self-glory and not a way of embracing a person.

In Romans 12, Paul teaches us that we are to bless our enemies and not curse. To love does not ask you to give up the truths of scripture; it only says you will keep on loving even when you encounter a person who denies scripture. Showing care and concern for others when it is easy is good. Yet to love someone when he is nailing you to a cross, now that is genuine.

I am not trying to discourage you from aiding victims of either storm, but press you to understand that love is more than donations. It involves looking in a mirror and daily repenting of our failure to love as Christ loves us. It is the Holy Spirit using word and sacrament to awaken our spirit to Christ. May Christ's love be at the core of all you do.