Yesterday I read a blog post about the “New Atheism”. The main point of the article was that atheists are becoming increasingly militant in their opposition to the gospel. This struck me as odd. To be honest, I didn’t find this new, or surprising. When I read the Bible, it seems there has always been violent opposition to the gospel. Truth has rarely been the popular choice. And yet, the answer remains the same–love. It is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance.

Just a gentle reminder as you begin your holiday preparations today.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”

And now for the Slattery translation:

Love endures long, boring stories retold year after year. Love doesn’t begrudge relatives with recent promotions, nicer cars and better behaved children. Love doesn’t compare pumpkin pie recipes, looking for that accolade. Love doesn’t tell jokes at others expense or laugh when derisive jokes are told. Love maintains self-control even when someone else stole the last drop of gravy. Love stands by their loved ones even when they’re actions make them appear unlovable. Love stands up for one another and refuses to catch a ride on the gossip wheel. Love sees the best in others despite their mistakes and continues to hold on even when it hurts. When everything else fails, love remains.

Of course, love without truth is not really love at all, but truth without love is deadly.

Happy Thanksgiving all!