A couple of months ago, I mused here about Jesus’ call that we love others. A Christianity that cannot walk in love with one another and with the world is not a Christianity that reflects the one we claim to follow, and so we must lean into it.

And while the phrase “the devil is in the details” may be a bit out of place here, there is some truth to it. As one reader pointed out, there are people we’re called to love who are in many respects hard, if not impossible, to love. How do we love them?

His question has haunted me, and so this episode is an attempt, inadequate as it feels, at an answer.

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EPISODE NOTES

Notes and resources relevant to this episode:

Rachel Denhollander’s now famous address to her abuser, Larry Nassar, is a case study in this. She vehemently pled for just for the sake of those who were abused, but demanded from Nassar genuine repentance. While asking for the judge’s maximum sentence she says to Nassar, “I pray you experience the soul crushing weight of guilt so you may someday experience true repentance and true forgiveness from God, which you need far more than forgiveness from me – though I extend that to you as well.” This is unsentimental love.

For more about the murderous pastor, look here and here.

Podcast music provided by Cool Hand Luke and used with permission.
Intro: “Holy Vanguard” / Lyrics
Outro: “Wonder Tour” / Lyrics / Video

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