Love Destroys Dividing Walls

Love Destroys Dividing Walls examines division and calls us to see with eyes of compassion vs comparison.

Timing is everything they say, and the timing and accuracy of this message stopped me in my tracks. It starts with words about Minnesota spoken by a Prophet. If you are unfamiliar with who a Profit is, they share the direction God may be headed. Are Prophets still speaking today? Yes. Are they always right? No. But lean in as I pass on this Prophet’s message and decide for yourself if it rings with truth.

Recently shared by a Pastor from Hosanna, this prophecy from February 2019 foretells of the nation’s eyes turning toward Minnesota due to issues of race and politics.

Eyes on Minnesota

“God is going to do something with races here that will be an example for the nations.” He exclaimed. “The eyes of America will be fixed here. Not because of tension but because of the love. Marginalized will be treated well. People will be watching what Minnesota is doing.”

As retold by Jennifer Alexander, Worship Pastor Hosanna Lutheran Church

Whoa, right?! Spoken over a year before George Floyd’s death, the truth of this prophecy seems genuine. Certainly the “all eyes fixed on Minnesota” portion. Is the rest of the prophecy true? Are we poised for an outpouring of love and better treatment of marginalized people? Drawing from the book of Ephesians, Pastors from Hosanna illuminate the pathway for this change.

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world”… Ephesians 2:1

News flash. The sin of racism is not new. Profound racial tension existed between Jews and Gentiles in biblical times as well. Sin also builds dividing walls across other issues: divisive attitudes about politics and differing responses to Covid-19 precautions are timely examples. When we focus on what makes us different we sit in judgment and blame.

Love Destroys Dividing Walls

We need unity as desperately today as they did in biblical times. Can you imagine people living in perfect unity? Impossible. Especially if this unity stems from our own efforts. Unity requires a much greater love. A love which shifts us towards who and what unites us verses what divides. We are children of the same Father. We are sinners saved by the same Savior. This level of unity transcends race and political affiliation. Only when we have the unifying love of Jesus living in us is this possible.

Compassion vs Comparison

Walk through life with eyes of compassion vs comparison”

Shane Stacey, Adult Equipping Pastor Hosanna Lutheran Church

What if every time we heard a viewpoint that differed from our own we paused. Whether it dealt with racial, political, Covid precautions or anything else. Instead of our own perspective we embraced the unity envisioned by God for all people. We remembered the ultimate act of love paid by Jesus for everyone’s sins. Then in humbleness we invited the Spirit of God to show us how to unify vs divide. Love would win. Because love destroys dividing walls.

God, we need your help to live in the unity you envisioned for your creation. Jesus, we ask you to fill us with a new sense of your sacrificial love for others. May your Spirit give us a sense of humility and compassion so we can demonstrate your great love to the world around us. Amen.