Agape love, ‘The Beloved Community’ and our current reality

By Bishop Leonard Fairley

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”—John 3:16-17 (NRSV)

While preparing to write this month’s column, three things have topped my prayer list. First, the ongoing work of the Jeremiah Teams that have been tasked with the work of right-sizing our annual conference to fit our current reality. Second, the best way to invite the annual conference to celebrate Black History Month. Third, a focus on love in this Valentine’s Day month.

Friends, that is some ambitious ground to attempt covering in one column, but I am going to give it a shot. There are two foundational biblical passages that I like to use to help center my thoughts. I can think of no better foundational scripture to root our work in than John 3:16-17.

As we go about doing the work of right-sizing our annual conference, I pray that we will root our work in the love of Jesus Christ. We do this work with a strong belief that there is nothing greater than God’s love, as the apostle Paul reminds us with these words: “But strive for the greater gift. And I will show you a still more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31) and “And now faith, hope, and love abide these three; and the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Now you might be asking, how is the bishop going to fit Black History Month into all of this? During this Black History Month celebration, I can think of no better earthly example of love than the concept of “The Beloved Community.” I pray that it will be a concept we consider as we live into the mandate to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

“The Beloved Community” has been defined as a vision of a society where everyone is cared for, free from poverty, hunger and hate. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. popularized “The Beloved Community” during the civil rights movement, emphasizing cooperation, nonviolence and the intrinsic worth of all people.

Sisters and brothers in Christ, to love one another and let that love be our core value and guiding light, in our current reality or any reality, is ambitious work.

Celebrating the unique contributions of all God’s children, focusing particularly this month on the unique and vital contributions of Africans Americans, is ambitious work.

However, it becomes possible if we allow God the creator, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit to empower, equip and encourage us.

“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).