“We are broken people living in a broken world.”
This is a biblical truth that I have heard since I was little. As a Christian leader it’s a message that I have preached from the pulpit, taught in classes, and prayed about over and over again. In 1 John 1 we read, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us…If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” We are broken people indeed.
This phrase has been ringing in my ears with everything that has happened in the last days, weeks, months. It has consumed me in the past few days as we bore witness to the needless death of George Floyd. I have cried, I have been angry, but mostly, I have felt helplessly overwhelmed by the reality set before me.
Maybe you have felt this way too. Maybe you also recognize that we are broken people living in a broken world. Maybe this truth has seeped into you and caused your heart to turn cold. Maybe you’ve thrown your hands up in the air because you feel like there is no hope. I understand. That nihilistic little voice inside me is whispering that nothing will ever change – humans are broken – how can we possibly hope to heal.
While it is true that we are broken people living in a broken world, that phrase is only half of the truth. If we dwell on the reality of our sin without also recognizing the powerful truth, hope, and grace found in Jesus Christ we will be consumed by darkness and frozen in despair. The quote above from 1 John 1 only tells half the story – here is the full quote, “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
Friends, Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world, is for us. When we feel hopeless and helpless Christ is there. When we feel that the darkness surrounds us Christ provides light. When we are sinking down beneath the crashing waves Christ extends his hand to raise us up. And we who follow Christ are called to do the same for others. We are called to stand with those who are oppressed, persecuted, and outcast. We are called to be the light of the world. We are called to extend our hand to our sisters and brothers to help raise them up and support them when they fall.
Sometimes the injustice of this world can feel so insurmountable that we don’t know where to begin. Might I recommend you begin with prayer and reflection? Prayer is a powerful thing, but it is also an active thing. We need to pray with our feet. We need to take steps toward healing, peace, and justice. We need to use our time, talent, and treasure to be a witness to God’s love and justice.
You can do this right now - tonight. There is a peaceful prayer vigil happening tonight in Lower Makefield. You can join with our neighbors as we pray together for a peaceful and more just tomorrow.
