The language may be archaic, but the message is clear. Human beings were created to be in community. The death of any person diminishes all of us because we are involved in all of humankind.

Current events challenge all of us to speak courageously to issues of justice, mercy, and grace. We are diminished as a nation when we turn our backs on the principles on which our country was founded. I am touched by the boldness of those persons who peacefully, but forcefully, demand justice for the killings of our neighbors. Murder is simply wrong. Blaming the victim without any evidence compounds the sin.

We are diminished as a nation when we damn persons because of the color of their skin, or their country of origin. Our humanity is diminished when we allow children to be brutalized without calling to accountability their abusers.

The church has lost its meaning when church leaders proclaim a message of national religion rather than the gospel of Jesus the Christ. It is impossible to read the life and teachings of Jesus and proclaim a national religion that dictates the thoughts and actions of individuals. The model for Christianity is supposed to be Jesus. It is impossible to claim commitment to Jesus the Christ and hate a sister or brother because of some external feature. Racism, in all its forms, is sin. There is no place for hatred and prejudice in the lexicon of Christian teaching.

Remind yourself of these words from 1 John: Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. (1 John 4:20-21 italics added)

There are those in the church who actually dare to challenge us to rein in our empathy for those who are being persecuted. Better check the Christ you proclaim. When we tell people not to be empathetic, we better take a look at the cross. Oh yeah, that little incident called the crucifixion. You know, where God’s son died for you. Next time you hypocrites tell me not to be empathetic to someone who is being persecuted I would like for you to look at the cross. If empathy is a sin, I choose to sin big.

We belong to a large community called humanity. In that community there must be laws governing human behavior. Those who violate those societal norms are responsible for the consequences. That does not give a pass to the wealthy and powerful. If we believe in accountability we will all be judged for our actions. This includes presidents, members of congress and parliaments, judges, and all charged with the welfare of others.

Again, from 1 John, “test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). That challenge is profoundly true in our churches and in our national politics. There are many, many false prophets. Please don’t accept what someone tells you is truth. “Test the spirits.” Use your senses, intellect, and faith commitment to determine God’s truth.