From December 1-25, I’ll be sharing a quote and its truth from John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person’s Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, the book Robert and I are currently and fascinatingly reading.
An odd Advent Calendar, of sorts.
If you are interested, you can see the introduction to this new blog category here:
Today, Insightful Fugelsang reminds us yet again of one of God’s great instructions:
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31 and Luke 10:27)
“This a commandment, not an option. It’s an order that transcends social boundaries, identities, and comfort levels.”
“Jesus goes out of his way to preach compassion for any outsiders a society has decided it’s allowed to hate.” p. 140
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I used to cringe a bit when I saw those “Free Hugs” folks with their little pro bono posters and offerings, but I have come to appreciate their kindness and all-inclusive acceptance.
Here are a Few Hugs:
Lesson to self: We need to spread our hugs out further.
NealEnJoy 
What a thoughtful and uplifting reflection. Your “Advent Calendar of Insight” is such a meaningful idea—quiet, steady reminders of compassion in a season that can so easily slip into noise. The passages you chose highlight one of the most powerful truths of scripture: love is not merely encouraged, it is commanded, and its reach must extend beyond comfort, beyond preference, beyond boundary.
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Yes about Compassion!
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Keep up your good work!!
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lol. Will do!
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🤗
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What beautiful hugs! The world needs more hugs, for sure. Hugs from me to you and Robert! 🤗🤗
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Thanks, Jill. And you are right about the world.
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