Episode 942
Radical Love: A Political Act of Resistance
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
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Delving into the radical premise of love as a form of political resistance, this episode offers an insightful analysis of Matthew 5:43-48, wherein Jesus advocates for the profound act of loving one’s enemies. The speaker articulates that such love transcends mere niceness or passive acceptance; it is a bold and transformative stance that directly challenges the cycles of violence that pervade societal interactions. By embracing this radical love, individuals can disrupt the dehumanization that often accompanies conflict, positioning themselves as active agents of change in a world rife with division. This compelling interpretation of love as resistance invites listeners to reconsider their responses to hostility and to cultivate a practice of love that reflects their true identities as bearers of divine grace.
The discussion further emphasizes the theme of universal flourishing, utilizing the biblical imagery of natural phenomena like sun and rain that nourish all people without discrimination. This serves as a powerful metaphorical framework to address pressing social and environmental justice issues, prompting listeners to reflect on the inequalities present in societal structures and policies. The speaker challenges the audience to advocate for a more equitable distribution of resources, encouraging actions that align with the divine principle of unconditional love that seeks the well-being of all, regardless of their perceived worthiness.
In concluding the session, the speaker provides actionable steps for listeners to engage with individuals they may consider adversaries. Instead of resorting to animosity, the recommendation is to approach such encounters with curiosity, seeking to understand the complexities of differing perspectives. This method of engagement not only fosters greater understanding and empathy but also aligns with the overarching message of the episode: that true power lies in the choice to love, to listen, and to grow beyond simplistic dichotomies toward a more nuanced and compassionate worldview. The episode encapsulates a profound call to embody radical love in both personal and societal contexts, reflecting the divine nature of inclusivity and grace.
Takeaways:
- The concept of radical love serves as a profound form of political resistance against systemic oppression.
- Jesus’ directive to love one’s enemies presents a revolutionary approach to interpersonal conflict and societal division.
- The imagery of universal provision through sun and rain highlights the necessity for social and environmental justice for all.
- It is imperative that we transcend simplistic binary categorizations, embracing the complexity of human existence and relationships.
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of engaging with our perceived adversaries through curiosity and understanding rather than animosity.
- The ABC123 Bible Study Method is presented as a valuable resource for deepening one's personal engagement with scripture.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- voiceofgodddaily.com
Transcript
Radical Love as Political Resistance A reflection on Matthew 5:43 48 on the Daily Bible refresh.
Speaker B:Hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker B:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker B:In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker B:The reading is understandable.
Speaker B:I use the message version relatable.
Speaker B:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
Speaker B:We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
Speaker B:It's all brought to you by voiceofgodddaily.com which is the home of your free personal Bible Study Guide, the ABC1, 23 Bible Study Method.
Speaker B: lionaires a million people by: Speaker B:You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.
Speaker B:Here's Today's reading from Matthew 5:43 48.
Speaker A:Reading from the message you're familiar with the old written law Love your friend and its unwritten companion.
Speaker A:Hate your enemy.
Speaker A:I'm challenging that.
Speaker A:I'm telling you to love your enemies.
Speaker A:Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.
Speaker A:When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer for then you are working out of your true selves, your God created selves.
Speaker A:This is what God does.
Speaker A:He gives his best the sun to warm and the rain to nourish to everyone regardless the good and bad, the nice and the nasty.
Speaker A:If if all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus?
Speaker A:Anybody can do that.
Speaker A:If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal?
Speaker A:Any run of the mill sinner does that.
Speaker A:In a word, what I'm saying is grow up your kingdom subjects now.
Speaker B:Live like it.
Speaker A:Live out your God created identity.
Speaker A:Live generously and graciously toward others the way God lives toward you.
Speaker A:Well, what a wonderful passage of scripture.
Speaker A:This is Jesus really presenting a revolutionary approach to how to deal with your opposition your enemies.
Speaker A:Let's talk about some points to ponder.
Speaker A:The first is about love as resistance.
Speaker A:Jesus command is to quote, love your enemies.
Speaker A:It isn't about being nice or passive.
Speaker A:It's a radical political stance.
Speaker A:In a world of us versus them.
Speaker A:Thinking, choosing love disrupts cycles of violence and dehumanization.
Speaker A:This challenges both personal vendettas and systematic oppression, suggesting that true power lies in refusing to mirror the tactics of our oppressors.
Speaker A:The second point is about universal flourishing.
Speaker A:The image of sun and rain falling on everyone speaks to environmental and social justice.
Speaker A:Nature doesn't discriminate.
Speaker A:Why do our systems?
Speaker A:This calls us to work toward universal access to resources and challenging policies that restrict basic needs to health care and housing, education and food based on perceived worthiness.
Speaker A:The third point is about growing up beyond dualism.
Speaker A:Grow up is what the scripture says.
Speaker A:This suggests moving beyond simplistic binary thinking.
Speaker A:Progressive faith invites us to embrace complexity.
Speaker A:Recognize that people and situations aren't simply good or bad.
Speaker A:This mature spiritual spirituality sees divine presence in unexpected places and people.
Speaker A:So here's today's action step.
Speaker A:Choose one quote Enemy.
Speaker A:You know what I'm talking about.
Speaker A:This could be a person or a group or an ideology that you struggle with.
Speaker A:And instead of attempting to force love, start with curiosity.
Speaker A:Start with asking questions.
Speaker A:Start with listening.
Speaker A:Research their perspective on the issue or their history or some of the circumstances and try to do so without judgment.
Speaker A:What complexities emerge?
Speaker A:How might this inform your response to them?
Speaker A:Listen and learn.
Speaker A:We'll come back with a here when we come back with a closing prayer here in just a minute, but I'd like to share with you that we have a great resource that I really want you to pick up.
Speaker A:It's for your at home daily at home Bible Study.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC123 Bible Study Method and I just invite you to head over.
Speaker A:It's free.
Speaker A:Go over to voiceofgoddaily.com and it's there for you.
Speaker A:Click on the link and it's yours.
Speaker A:Let's pray God, you're the source of universal love.
Speaker A:When we're tempted to draw lines between us and them, Remind us of your Son that warms all faces, your rain that nourishes all gardens.
Speaker A:Help us resist evil while still seeing humanity and those who oppose us.
Speaker A:Guide us beyond the simple answers into the complex work of mature love.
Speaker A:When hate seems easier than understanding, grant us courage to choose the harder path.
Speaker A:Show us how to live generously without compromising justice.
Speaker A:How to be gracious without accepting oppression.
Speaker A:Amen.
Speaker B:My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
Speaker B:The daily Bible refresh is completely listener supported.
Speaker B:Your gift goes a long way to getting the audible word of God from a progressive perspective into 2 million years.
Speaker B: A million people by: Speaker B:I would be so grateful if you would go to voiceofgodddaily.com and share your gift of any amount.
Speaker B:Thanks much.
Speaker B:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker B:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker B:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker B:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
