Mtr Kelli Joyce

Dear friends in Christ,

Today's Epistle and Gospel both touch on a topic of great importance to the Christian. Obedience to the will and commands of God. In 1 Peter, we read "as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct." In John's Gospel, Jesus tells his friends that "they who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me... Those who love me will keep my word."

Our obedience to God's commandments is not a prerequisite for forgiveness or salvation - as Paul says, "it is by grace [we] have been saved, through faith - and that not of [ourselves], it is the gift of God, apart from works, so that no one can boast." But that doesn't mean that faithfulness to the holy living we are called to in Christ is optional for the Christian. As people who are already loved, already forgiven, already being saved, we are told to "walk worthy of the call with which [we] have been called." The way we manifest our love for Jesus is not merely by saying the right words about who he is, or about feeling positively about him in our hearts. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry is absolutely right when he says that if it's not about love, it's not about God - but love is not always simple or easy. God's love for us looks like death on a cross. Jesus tells us that our love for him must look like obedience to his will in our daily lives, even when it is difficult, or means that we don't get to do or have something we want.

But friends, it's worth it. Everything the world has to offer us, all its splendors and pleasures, amount to nothing when set beside the chance to know Christ, and walk with him, and love him as he first loved us. Sinful pleasures are fleeting, but the peace and joy of Christ are imperishable. God wants every good thing for us. The call to holiness of living is meant to benefit us, not to punish us. Thanks be to God.

In peace,
Mtr Kelli