In John 21, Jesus asked Peter if he loved him, not once, not twice, but three times. Peter said yes each time…and Jesus’s response was the same each time. “Feed my sheep.” 

I’m gonna pose a scenario. Let’s say Peter was a modern-day pastor and Jesus asked him, “Peter, do you love me?” 
Time #1. “Jesus, you know I love you. This Saturday I’m gonna march in a pro-life rally.”
Time #2. “Jesus, you know I love you. This Sunday I’m gonna preach the pro-life message.”
Time #3. “Jesus, you know I love you.” And he teared up as he thought of the pregnant teenager in his congregation.

Sometimes it takes us a while to get the point. We get so committed to our issues, we forget to love. 

Where did we get the idea that issues are more important than loving individuals (sheep, you might say)? I think it happens in politics too. The Republican party has been dubbed the law and order party, and the Democrats, the kindness party. But I think we’ve lost our way if we think we have to choose one or the other–our strongly-held values (come hell or high water) or tenderness toward people we think are just wrong, wrong, wrong. I think we can manage both. It’s a fine balance, and it takes a lot of energy, but maybe this is our challenge.

Get this. “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.”

And get this. “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

I didn’t make this up.*

I’ve known several people over the years who are really good at balancing justice and mercy. They hold to their values (their issues, you might say), but they are so kind in the process, it’s like being on sacred ground. They aren’t Bible thumpers; they’re Bible breathers.

There’s a world of difference. And the latter are so beautiful, it brings tears to my eyes.

*James 2:12-13