Fill… Spill… Thrill…

Bishop David deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

Saint Paul told the Corinthians: “We must each be careful how we build, because Christ is the only foundation. Whatever we build on that foundation will be tested by fire on the day of judgment.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-12)

An old carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the construction business and live a more leisurely life with his wife and family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire and they could get by.

(more…)

Bishop Dave deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

“Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you and your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:33-34)

Many people have asked how I understand the immigration proposals that are before our state legislature right now. Typically, I do not take public stands on legislative policy matters, but I would invite you to think with me on a situation that is both emotionally charged and politically challenging. The issues of immigration are tremendously complex and not easily resolved. We seem to be living with a broken system that is hurting people, raising fears and escalating a style of response that does not seem true to both our national heritage nor our faith understanding.

(more…)

Bishop David deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

“Jesus said: I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Last week, the President said something at the memorial service for the victims of the Tucson, Arizona shooting that resonated deeply in my soul. He simply stated: “We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know how we treat one another is entirely up to us.”

How we treat one another is entirely up to us. I believe this is what Jesus was saying when he said, “Love your neighbor as yourself”… “love your enemies”… “a new commandment I give you, that you love one another, as I have loved you.” St. Paul understood and called for the same response: “Love one another with mutual admiration; outdo one another in showing honor” … and “for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.” St. John expressed the importance of how we treat each other: “Let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God”… and “let us not love in word or speech, but in truth and action.” Followers of Jesus live love.

(more…)