... don't love the world...?

I had to put a question mark on that one because I do not understand it. I think a trip to the library is in order to research a commentary. I did a quick google search on this and it only added to the struggle I've often had with this particular line of Scripture and others like it.

It says this,
Don’t love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the [Creator] is not in them.(1 John 2:15)

One particular commentator says that a love of the world will override our love of God. On the other hand, if we love only God, then our love of the world will disappear. You can read more HERE.

I just don't buy it -
 
How can I not love the world? God made the world so the world is inherently good, right? For me to not love the world is to deny that God our Creator loves it too.

How can I not love the world? God made humans and humans live in the world that God created. For me to not love the world is to deny that God of Creator loves humans...

I think it is left out of the Revised Standard Lectionary (a fancy way to say a three year cycle of readings for the church) is because lots of people put a big question mark on it. 

So until I read more, I give this passage a Scripture a big ole   

 

...may his children be orphans...

Sometimes the Bible says mean things. Sometimes the writers have harsh words to say against others. Sometimes you don't hear a thing about turning the other cheek... which by the way isn't about being passive or a doormat. You can watch my sermon here if you'd like. I'll write about it sometime soon.

Psalm 109 is about vengeance and is largely ignored in our churches as a preaching Scripture. It's as though Christians aren't supposed to have bad thoughts or say mean things from time to time. Okay, maybe it's not in our best interest to be jerks, but I think we need to dispel the myth that we don't get angry at other people. I'll be honest, I have yelled at my husband and my child. I've regretted it later and asked for forgiveness, but I've done it. I've thought bad things about my co-workers, people I work with AT church! I have even wanted bad things to happen to former church co-workers. Heaven forbid!

The psalmist here is a human being who has suffered an injustice and is seeking help from God. The psalmist recognizes that anger and a thirst for revenge is a natural tendency among humans. It is a part of who we are, but if you look closely, the psalmist is calling upon God to do these things. He or she is not doing them him or herself. She or he is addressing God. Now, I don't think God delivers on our human requests, especially if it is violent in nature, but I know God listens.

This is what it means to be in relationship with God. God seeks us out and wants all of us - not just our happy-clappy! God wants to hear our hurt so we can be filled by God's love, compassion, and mercy.

Besides, have you ever noticed when you tell another person about your anger and desire for revenge you get ramped up even more, and you get nowhere? Let God listen and fill you up! You won't regret it. You may not get easy answers or solutions, but you'll have time to process a bit more!