Oh You a Fan, You a Fan, You a Fan

We live in a world of division, of love and hate. In its most overt form, nothing expresses this love and hate than our fandom. I mean…is it real love? Probably not. More like a really really really strong like but we’re not (but nobody wants to say that over and over again). In the grand scheme of things, if we’re looking at this from a biblical perspective, using the four words for love we see in the original Greek language, well…things just get weird. You don’t love your favorite team like you love your grandma (stourge). Or your brother (fileo)…nope. Or your husband/wife (eros). At least I hope not. And if you love your favorite team in the same unconditional way (agape) that you love Jesus that might be just a little idolatrous. I’ll leave that alone. What does stand true today, however, if you really “love” the one you must also somehow hate the other. And even in the smallest most menial things, this can sometimes carry very catastrophic results.

Dec. 29, 2014, after a Cowboys v. Redskins football game an argument broke out between two fans of the opposing teams which then turned into a brawl. One could almost laugh at the ridiculousness of this, that is until a “freakish accident” occurred when one fans to another’s neck proved fatal. The family of the deceased was beside themselves while the assailant now spends 14 years behind bars…over a football game. Let that sink in.

Now imagine being even more incensed against someone who has a differing view from something you should consider most important. Let’s say…your faith! And let’s take it a step further. What if they have the same faith as you, but they see certain aspects of it differently than you. Does that mean you’re not of the same team and that an offensive against them is necessary to set the record straight? To many believers, some strange reason, it is. And in their efforts, they forget one small thing that, as part of our Christian identity, makes a world of difference.

A Call to Authentic Love

In a world often divided by differences, the call to love one another authentically stands as a beacon of hope and unity. This love, rooted in action rather than mere words, is a powerful testimony to our faith and the truth we hold dear. As we explore the depths of this command, we find that it challenges us to move beyond superficial expressions and into a life marked by genuine care and selflessness.

Love in Action

True love is more than a sentiment; it is a call to action. As 1 John 3:18-24 reminds us, love should be evident through our deeds. "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." This passage underscores the importance of living out our love in tangible ways. There are many who provide lip service on loving others, but let their actions tell it and they’ve distanced themselves from showing that they care about anyone. If you can’t say amen…say ouch. Our actions reveal the sincerity of our hearts and confirm that we belong to the truth. Even when we falter or feel inadequate, God's greater understanding and omniscience assure us that we can approach Him with confidence. Our obedience to His commandments, particularly to believe in Jesus Christ and love one another, solidifies our relationship with Him and ensures His presence within us through His Spirit. And His Spirit is the only way we truly are able to love Him, love His people, and make disciples.

Full stop.

Overcoming Division

Not for the sake of fandom and the consequences of some fans ‘ actions as we saw above, in today’s Christian culture the message of love is especially pertinent in this time where division is rampant. Galatians 2 provides a vivid account of how early Christians navigated cultural and ideological differences. Paul confronted Peter for his hypocrisy, in doing so highlighting the need to stand firm in the truth of the Gospel without succumbing to societal pressures. This specific narrative also encourages us to embrace diversity within the body of Christ and to reject any form of exclusion or superiority; a major message in the Bible that goes unnoticed by some lower case c churches and their leaders these days…I digress. But I thank God that when I read this text in 1 John 3 I see John’s admonition to love one another transcends cultural, ideological, and political differences, urging us to foster unity and mutual respect.

The Challenge of Tough Love

While the call to love one another is clear, the manner in which we express this love can sometimes be misunderstood. Or maybe it’s not. Maybe some folks just want people to do things the way they want them to or let them suffer the consequences. I’ll leave that alone, and may God be judge on things like that always. That being said, there is a place for "tough love," but it must be grounded in genuine concern and relationship. If you don’t know them and they haven’t asked you for advice on a subject at the least, don’t try it. If today’s culture, such things run the risk of being insensitive and doing the exact opposite of what the desired effect should be. Jesus exemplified how to do this perfectly, showing compassion and truth without condemnation. In John 8, He protected the adulterous woman from her accusers by removing them, He then assured her that He wasn’t there to accuse her either, and finally He gently instructed her to "go and sin no more." This approach contrasts sharply with the Pharisees' judgmental attitudes, and I don’t (but do lol) want to say that we have far too many believers who are satisfied with just saying “go sin no more” forsaking the dismissal of accusation. May this story serve as a reminder that true tough love seeks restoration, not punishment, and is reserved for those within close, trusting relationships.

The Commitment to Follow

The journey of love is not without its challenges. If it were, there would be no reason to discuss why obedience is important. There’s no need to worry about being obedient to things we initially want to do…uh oh. John 6 recounts how many of Jesus' followers abandoned Him because His teachings were difficult to understand; the ever dreaded passage that is John 6…6…6 (it’s there. Check for yourself!). Yet, the Twelve remained, recognizing that Jesus alone had the words of eternal life. This commitment to follow, despite difficulties and misunderstandings, is a testament to the power of authentic love and faith. It calls us to remain steadfast in our devotion to Christ and to each other, even when the path is hard. And footnote: even on our best days it will always be hard.

Living Out Authentic Love

The call to love one another is a profound and transformative mandate that goes beyond all we would ever imagine our world to be. In short, I’ve always said it this way: loving people ain’t for the faint of heart. It challenges us to demonstrate our love through actions, embrace unity amidst diversity, practice restorative tough love, and remain committed to our faith journey in spite of the world around us some…most…almost all the time being unwilling to do the same. As we embody this love, we become living testimonies of God's truth and grace, drawing others into the fullness of His love. Let us, therefore, strive to love authentically, reflecting the heart of Christ in all we do. Amen.

— Jordan Brown

Pastor (Ministries and Outreach) [OV] Church