18 July 2023
As we journey through life, there will always be differences of opinion and that is to be expected because each one of us is unique, though created in the image of God. John Wesley’s sermon “Catholic Spirit” speaks about believers walking hand in hand, despite the different views or opinions in life, worship, culture, theology etc, only because our hearts are joined to the heart of God.
Love me…
If your heart is right as my heart is right with your heart then love me with a very tender affection,
as a friend that is closer than a brother… as a fellow-citizen of the new Jerusalem, as a companion in the kingdom.
Love me with a love that is patient if I am ignorant or out of the way,
bearing and not increasing my burden. Love me with the love that 'is not provoked' either at my follies or infirmities.
Commend me to God in all your prayers;
wrestle with him on my behalf,
that he would speedily correct what he sees amiss
and supply what is wanting in me.
Beg of him…that my heart may be more as your heart,
more right both toward God and toward man.
Provoke me to love and to good works…
Speak to me in love whatsoever you believe to be for my soul’s health.
Love me not in word only, but in deed and in truth.
So far as in conscience you can
(retaining still your own opinions and your own manner of worshipping God),
join with me in the work of God,
and let us go on hand in hand.
John Wesley, “Catholic Spirit,” in John Wesley’s Sermons: An Anthology, eds. Albert C. Outler and Richard P. Heitzenrater, Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1991, 307.