Love.

What do you think about women in ministry?

I realize I'm headed into dangerous territory. It's politics and religion, all wrapped up in one messy ball that the church itself has been trying to unravel since Eve picked that piece of fruit. And I'm asking a man, which automatically gives him a different world view than mine. 

His wife looks nervously at us both, not knowing what to expect,  and although I'm a little anxious, I'm genuinely curious how this will go. He's more conservative and I'm an idealist (sometimes to a fault). Those who've gone before us set the precedence of what to expect, but we're determined to have a different outcome.

He gives his opinion, gently and honestly. There is no agenda in his reply, just a genuine want to understand. I respond in kind, and what happens is more than a debate about theology and ideas. Honor happens. Respect happens. Love happens.

Everyone breathes a sigh of relief, because this is no more than two friends talking. Friends who want to understand and process. Friends who want to live in unity. 

This. This is the gospel. And I suddenly understand Paul's admonition that "If (we) have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if (we) have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, (we are) nothing."
 
We end our night with a late night Sonic run, and as I look at two of my dearest friends, I thank God for them. For their love, and for their willingness to enter into hard subjects with gentleness and purpose. 
 
Because as much as I love a good debate, without love--it's all just chatter and clanging gongs



  

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