A matter of love....

Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

- Peter, the rock

Back again. Did you miss me? :). Just been pondering a couple things and I thought it was time to bring up a very popular topic. Love. 

Not romantic love, though it has it's place. Not love for God though it is the greatest of all things we can experience and reciprocate. But brotherly love.

Recently I read an interview with Michelle Williams on the performance of 'Take my hand, Precious Lord' by Beyonce at this years Grammy's. Her comments were centred on the general Christian reaction and subsequent criticisms of this performance. Now if you ask anyone that knows me, I am not one who is partial to Beyonce's music in the slightest (except maybe some of the early Destiny's child albums where they were so vibrant, so fresh and so... cool). However, one thing which struck me about Michelle's comments were her obvious love for her friend and how she stood in defence of what she saw as critical judgements which had no basis. Her words were, 'I didn't know only certain people could sing gospel'. And the funny thing is, I didn't either. 

Now God calls his people, to in turn call people into the kingdom of God. I don't know where Beyonce is with her spirituality, but I know she has a friend who is seeking the completeness of her heart for Jesus. I'm reminded of the relationship Cece Winans had with Whitney Houston, which caused her to never give up hope that her friend would come fully through. So in the years she gave herself to damaging relationships and battled addiction, in the times the media tarnished her name and many criticised and sidelined her, there was a faithful friend defending, praying for and lifting her up before the only one who could bring true change.

Therefore I'm challenged. I wonder if we would be able to let go of our biases and opinions for just long enough to catch a glimpse of the divine plan. God loved the world didn't he? True, not the spirit which rules within it, but the people that move within it are quite literally those he'd give up everything for.

I guess in the end the main question is not whether people are worthy enough to sing the gospel but if we see all people as worthy enough to have a chance at receiving the gospel. Our answer to this question will determine our love...