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We who are followers of Jesus Christ and all people of good will should heed the invitation to “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”(Galatians 6:2)
To all of the millions of people who are praying for peace and not war, food for the hungry and not more missiles for the military, I say to you. Do not grow weary in doing what is right.
Pope Leo XIV quoting the prophet Isaiah says God does not hear the prayers of those who wage war. He reminds government leaders including the President of the United States that “Every person in authority will have to answer to God for the way they exercise their power.”
As quoted in Isaiah 1:15 “When you stretch your hands I will hide from you, even though you make many prayers, I will not listen.” Isaiah 1:17 says “Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.“
To all of the people who embrace a vision of peacemaking and problem-solving over people blaming and name calling, I say be encouraged.
I believe pastors and Christians have a right and obligation to share the truth about the failure of leadership in high places.
There was a time when Kings thought they were endowed with divine authority and God-like powers. This vision of leadership does not compute in my head or comport to my understanding of the first of the Ten Commandments, which says “You shall have no other Gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)
John Wesley wrote that all persons who wish to be saved should show their desire by; Doing no harm, by doing good, and by attending to the ordinances of God, which include the central role of prayer.
I believe pastors and Christians have a right and obligation to share the truth about the failure of leadership in high places.
Are These Choices Making America Great?
I am sorry, Mr. U.S. President, but the world is made up of people who want to care for their families and making choices to contribute to the well being of planet and people. I wake up and step out into a world not full of low IQ people, but beloved children of God made in the image of a loving God.
The choice of warfare over childcare and healthcare is contrary to the goal of making America great.
Criticizing and verbally attacking Pope Leo because he stands for peace and demonizing millions of immigrants is a choice.
We need a country that makes immigration choices that stops ICE’s unlawful human rights enforcement violations and doesn’t cage thousands of children under the guise of protecting the U.S. Southern border.
We want a country and world made better not by choosing to drop “F” word-bombs on Easter or thousands of destructive, killing bombs on Iran causing a war of choice.
Making a choice to disparage former U.S. Presidents and posting pictures generated by AI that have no redeeming value is a poor example of servant leadership.
Making light of Jesus or portraying yourself as Jesus may be seen as a spoof by some but is still a choice that has offended hundreds of millions of people around the world.
Galatians 6:7 says “Do Not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you will reap what you sow.”
Yes, we have a loving God who forgives our sins. Yes, I believe we should pray for the welfare and wisdom of our elected leaders.
However, God will not be mocked.
Be encouraged.
Bishop Julius C. Trimble serves as General Secretary of The General Board of Church & Society, the United Methodist agency charged with fulfilling the social justice policies adopted by the General Conference.