In a previous blog, I have tried to present reasons why and how we should love those with whom we disagree.  I have suggested that, on the model of how Jesus loved us and this even includes those whom we think are sinning.

But there are some biblical cautions about this kind of love and these must be considered as well. [However, it is intentional that I am identifying only two ways NOT to love while I listed three ways TO love.]

[Note: This article is a companion to Two Ways I Should NOT Love Those With Whom I Disagree]

I start this blog with a story from Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov (which I happen to believe is the greatest novel ever written):

The religious communities of the Abrahamic traditions face several theological and ethical challenges as we try to become good neighbors in a global society that is, it seems, increasingly post-secular. Whereas a few decades ago many thought secularism would dominate the world through globalization, now secularism might be criticized as a tribal religion still found on universities in Europe and North America.

The protests and riots that have exploded in the United States and even globally since the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, have taken my mind back to 2011, a year in which Time magazine declared “The Protester” to be its person of the year. ^[2] Few years in recorded history before 2011 were so strongly characterized by a sense that something is terribly wrong with the whole world.

If our hearts are our emotional houses, we have lived in them, as in our literal homes, too long and too exclusively the past few months. I can tell that people are losing their sense of proportion. Not only are tempers flaring online and in the streets among strangers, but I am seeing even mature believers and loving families snipping and sniping at each other over small things.

Everyone, it seems, has something to say about something – or someone. And what they have to say isn’t pretty. But must it all be said?

 “Mom!”

 “I left Trophimus sick at Miletus” (2 Timothy 4:20)

As some churches tiptoe back into corporate worship and ministries reboot in a post-corona mode, those who are immune-suppressed or elderly are being gently asked to stay home awhile longer. 

In our Bible reading this morning (6/20/2020), Susan and I came to the ninth chapter of Daniel. What we read seemed to be an appropriate prayer, with, of course, some adjustments, for the USA (and maybe some other countries) in light of present circumstances. Susan and I prayed that prayer and I copy it below for the consideration of other WRF members:

So why are we here, anyway? The Westminster Shorter Catechism says it this way, ‘man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.’ Does that mean we should first commit ourselves to give glory to our God, and then move on to enjoying him?

Sometimes religion is important, but usually barely, on the margin. Why is that? When you fit religion under the social sciences that helps you think it over.

At certain times we do well to say only what is necessary and only about a subject we know and understand. Young wiseacres, on the other hand, at precisely those times, offer themselves up as as experts in everything, and end up sticking their feet in their mouths. This seems to be the case in much of the growing social media commentary about this new SARS-CoV epidemic, especially as fueled by the overload of information by the "new" media.

Today, as in the past, we are faced with the enormity of the impact of the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic (Covid-19). Everyone is worried because of the transmission that is so fast, simultaneous, and deadly. Covid-19 not only kills humans, but also destroys the economy to the extent that it might go as far as economic stagnancy.