We visited St. Luke's Episcopal in Kalamazoo, Michigan yesterday. In his sermon the Rev. Dr. Randall R. Warren talked about Jesus welcoming all. I was reminded of my rereading of Exodus a couple of years ago where I realized the book is about the long, hard journey moving from slavery to freedom. The slavery can take many forms, addiction, money, profession, abusive employer, ownership, bigotry, judgement, etc. The road is long and hard with slips backwards.

Judgement and bigotry are two sides of the same coin. Rich looking down their nose at the poor. Egalitarians condemning White Supremacists. Democrats condemning Republicans and vice versa. Christians damning everyone that does not toe the strict line of their God.

These actions of judgement often strike me as sad acts of desperation (I also often find myself in this cart). We all act as though love (acceptance) is a resource in short supply. Because we are taught that we are flawed, not whole, and not lovable; we attempt to improve our standing by showing that others are worse than we are. Sort of like the story about a man putting on sneakers realizing he only had to run faster than another when a hungry lion chased them. We keep score as if it mattered.

God loves each of us equally! There is no shortage of acceptance (love). To compare you and me is an act of futility. We are not the same person; our different perspective can enrich both of us if we are willing to accept. Jesus condemned actions not people and never sent anyone away. We each of us is incomplete, not flawed. Is God a poor artisan?

We can look for the good in other (serve Christ in those we meet) or look for the bad. We will find what we look for. I find more joy in looking for the good; not necessarily comfort, remember Exodus. More anger and hate looking for the flaws.

Our journey as individuals, community, country, and people has setbacks as well a victories.