Love Is Universal

South Africa

Written by: Pastor Nicole Behnke-Welke, Chaplain for Unity Hospice, Shawano Territory (She/Her)

As I contemplated what love is several things ran through my mind as I work in hospice. I came to a conclusion that love is universal. This came because not only from my work in hospice but also a past experience that came back with fond memories.

It is something I have come to deeply believe for years that began when I was on trip to South Africa with many from our synod as we were visiting our companion churches. At one of the stops we led a day camp of sorts for the children. We read the Good Samaritan parable. I know this is a section of scripture that is well known, but it was changed deeply and profoundly for me that day.

We asked what we believed was a simple question, what would you do if someone fell down and cut their knee? One sweet little boy looked at me with all seriousness and said, “I would first go put on a pair of gloves and then get them a band aid.” My thoughts were abruptly halted because the societal reality of AIDS for them was brought forth, but even with such a reality great love was shared in his little boy’s response. It was truly demonstrating being a Good Samaritan.

Now granted if I asked that question here in all honesty I would likely get many responses but I often wonder if they would be filled with such a universal love. It did not matter to this little boy who fell, if he was a friend, looked like him, believed the same as him, and this list could go on, all that matter was the little boy saw the need and acted in love.

Love has this universal language that branches beyond an denomination or belief system. Just as in the parable the good Samaritan it comes down to at some basic level of caring for someone different than ones self. Hence forth loving someone who might not agree fully with us.

I do this daily in my hospice work as I am always encountering individuals who are from a different faith tradition or simply don’t believe. It is in those moments that showing forth love in universal way builds relationship. It is in these relationships love then flourishes through giving people the best end of life journey they can have as I often share it is one of the few things we don’t get a second chance at.

Love shows up in these spaces because it is universal it doesn’t see the differences as a barrier like the world sometimes does.

We all know someone who doesn’t believe as we do or is different in some way. I encourage each of us this week see this person through the eyes of that South African little boy. Then pray for them to experience this love that is universal that sees no divides but rather unites in care for one another and relationship.

Love is universal just as God loves all no matter who they are or where they come from and for this we can celebrate not just today but always as God’s beloved children.

Read

Luke 10:25–37

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

25 An expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. [a] “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?”

27 He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.”

28 And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”

29 But wanting to vindicate himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and took off, leaving him half dead.

31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side.

32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

33 But a Samaritan while traveling came upon him, and when he saw him he was moved with compassion.

34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, treating them with oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him, and when I come back I will repay you whatever more you spend.’

36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”

37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Reflect

Jesus here looks at those who believe differently from each other and shows forth and example of how to love in those situations. This universal love can be found even in our communities with ecumenical partners, so who are those partners that maybe you have struggled with that could use some love? Or where are you feeling called to in ecumenical relations because of this universal love?

What are the barriers or walls or excuses that we make that stop us from being that good Samaritan, from going at putting on gloves first so we can put on a band aid?

Prayer

Expansive God, be present with us and let your love that stretches beyond the reaches we can imagine and aid us in taking small steps at letting go of our prejudices to share your universal love with any and all that we meet to build relationships founded on love. Amen.

Pastor Nicole Behnke-Welke, Chaplain for Unity Hospice, Shawano territory

She/Her