A Theology As Big As Austin (part 2)
This is part 2 of ‘A Theology As Big As Austin’ which are my reflections on Bakke’s reflections from A Theology As Big As The City. Remember, these are reflections, not theological papers, so consider them first drafts.
Previous posts can be found here:
A Theology As Big As Austin (part 1)
_____________________________________________________________________
Bakke’s Reflection on Truth and Love
“We work to balance the prophetic and judgmental with grace and forgiveness. With sadness I acknowledge that these two truths have come unglued in our time. God’s people need to hear the truth that the angry prophet Amos delivered. They also need the pastoral message of weeping Jeremiah. As I’ve tried to show, Paul and Barnabas need each other on the urban mission team.”
My Reflections on Truth and Love for Austin
In his 1st letter to the Corinthians, Paul states,
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Truth without love is a mess folks. We have all seen it, probably done it and we hate it as much as the next guy. Our approach to those that God has called us to is crucial!! It is not emptying the cross of its power when we bring the gospel to people with love and understanding. The gospel is not just shouted from the rooftops, it is also whispered to people in our loving service to them.
Think about it. Who are the people that we allow into our lives? Who mosts influences us? People who belittle us with their intellect? They may even be right, but who wants to hear them? Who even wants to be around them?
The people we invite into our lives are the ones who love us. The ones who care for us. The ones who seek to share whatever they have learned, whether it is a little or a lot. We listen to them because we trust them. They are for us.
But it isn’t one or the other is it? Love OR truth? If truth without love is like a noisy gong which sends people running away, then love without truth can be like a melody that pleases our ears while giving us nothing more than false hope.
What is beautiful is that as followers of Jesus Christ, we follow the Truth. We don’t just know ‘the truth’ but we know the “Truth”. Truth is not just an abstract concept, but rather it is a person. It is Christ that we have to offer to people. So, love them and introduce them to Truth.
Under Grace In Austin 
“…So, love them and introduce them to Truth.” …and potlucks.
When is this moving party, eh?
Still trying to find a home right now, but I will let you know. Peace out.
man, thank you so much for your love and encouragement. i miss you guys a lot. i hope you are having the best time in Austin. i cant wait to come visit and hear your stories.
im going to read all of your entries when i have a clear head and a longer attention span, because your writing is always so good and weighty. hows your lady and your boy? when is the new kiddo due? i stinking miss y’all. im really glad we can keep in touch this way, though.
nice song choice! its definitely a good one. very convicting. i like it. these days i cant get enough of “Red Hill Mining Town.” its always been in my top 5 Favorite U2 Songs Ever, but they just released the music video and it is worth seeing because 1) its kind of the Holy Grail of U2 vids and 2) its extremely unintentionally funny. check it out.
Thanks for the thoughts on love & truth. It is great to see a pastor who loves his city and wants to see it redeemed. You thoughts challenge me spiritually and mentally. Hope your moving went well.