August 30, 2020

The Power of Queer Community – Romans 12:9-21

19 minutes

We received a listener question via Twitter and it’s one that’s very timely with the unusual times we’re in right now. “How do we minister to the sick and those in need during this pandemic?” Tune in to hear what our answer was.

And then we queer the text from Romans which also nicely ties into our listener’s question. We are reminded so much of the queer community and how we’ve fought against the oppressors and how we are still doing the work of taking care of others. How about you? How does this resonate with you?

Key takeaways:

Updates from Fr. Shay’s and Brian [0:52]

Listener question from Twitter [6:17]

How the pandemic has shown a spotlight on issues that have already existed? [8:42]

On paying attention to risks and taking COVID seriously while still showing up for one another [9:36]

Practical ways to be there for others during the pandemic [10:52]

Queering the Bible: Romans 12:9-21 [12:56]

A strategic and tactical move to shame the oppressors [15:14]

Seeing the queer community in this text [17:12]

What “you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head” is a reminder of? [18:29]

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Romans 12:9-21

Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home. Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying. Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else. Instead, associate with people who have no status. Don’t think that you’re so smart. Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good.

If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord. Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.

Photo by Elyssa Fahndrich

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