Doyt’s sermon reminds us that love is the foundation of how we should live and treat one another, especially in times of social and cultural upheaval. He begins by reflecting on the wisdom of ancient leaders like Zoroaster, Confucius, and Rabbi Hillel, who emphasized the importance of caring for our neighbors. However, their teachings on how to treating our neighbors well, while good, can only be worked out within social hierarchies. Doyt shares this insight with a personal story from high school, where he stood up for a Cambodian refugee student being bullied. This was his way of living out the Golden Rule. And yet, when reflecting on what makes this rule according to Jesus different, Doyt realizes that he had failed to see the bully as his “neighbor” too. The high school bully had responded to Doyt’s place in the social hierarchy and was not changed by the encounter. Jesus transforms the idea of loving our neighbor into something transformative by placing God at the center, binding love for God with love for others. This love, known as agape love, is deeper and universal; it includes everyone, no matter their status, background, or behavior.
Doyt challenges us to view the world through this “Jesus lens,” which recognizes that no one is outside of God’s love. When we face division or brokenness, we are called to respond with courageous, inclusive love. Resurrection shows us that love is stronger than hatred, fear, or even death; it is the ultimate victory of God. Living this love means standing up for those in need while also recognizing the dignity in those we might struggle to love, like Troy. At Epiphany, we are reminded that everyone is welcome, everyone is loved, and everyone is our neighbor. To make the world better, we must share this love boldly, grounded in the truth that God is love and love alone has the power to save the world.
Reflection Questions for this Week:
- How does Jesus’ teaching to “love your neighbor as yourself” challenge us to think differently about who our neighbor is?
- In the story Doyt shared, he realized later that Troy, the bully, was also his neighbor. How can we practice seeing and loving those who are difficult to love as part of God’s family?
- How can this perspective help us respond to division or brokenness in our communities?