We joke in seminary that one of our buzz words is "context". We can't give anything due consideration unless we have thought about the when, where, why, and how it came into being. When I think about the verses from 1 Corinthians 13:9-12 I find them very humbling. Paul tells the church in Corinth we only "see and know in part". Considering it is only likely God is capable of omniscience, we are not going to ever have all the facts even when they appear right in front of us. There will always be gaps in our memories and information. Sometimes we come across situations that appear to have no right answer. There is always a mystery surrounding us human beings with limited views. As we contemplate this, take the time to "see in a mirror, dimly" Try to see where you may have blindness in experiencing this world, and consider that there might be further blindnesses you are not even aware of! Let this invite you into a place of grace and compassion for our sisters and brothers who surround us on a daily basis.
Yes, I can share your sentiments about the possible overuse of the term "context." How do we engage such a complicated issues in our congregations, especially when some of us have a hard time understanding even our own place in the world?
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Kym
11/23/2013 03:58:01 am
I agree. How many times have we all said or thought something negative about someone only to find out they've been coping with struggles we know nothing about. How do you think we work through this ourselves and in our congregations to not jump to conclusions/judgement about peoples character based upon their behavior?
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Carol Marie Underwood has a Masters in Divinity and Masters of Arts in Practical Theology and loves to integrate this with her love of Science Fiction.