The True Gospel

In 2 Timothy the author makes reference to keeping strictly to the "true Gospel" (2 Tim 2.15). Earlier in the chapter, indeed in verse 14, the author states ""stop disputing about mere words". In dedicating ourselves as a sacrifice to God we are making a statement of faith that is filled with gratitude. A statement that can be so easily overwhelmed by our own perspectives and how we interpret words written to us through the ages. Perhaps one of the greatest mistakes that we make is looking to our scriptures and venerating them to the extent that we say that they are the Gospel. In doing this we immediately begin to wrangle about meaning and for some it becomes an issue between the absoluteness of the written word as being the Gospel as opposed to the Gospel that Christ proclaimed.

The simplest way of putting this is that the Gospel of Christ is based on the word and concept of love. This is the basis of all our faith journeys and is what sets us apart from all those who do not believe. No matter what we do and no matter what we think we need to understand that if we are proclaiming lives based on the Gospel then we are proclaiming lives based on love. This is difficult for us as we are more often then not only concerned for ourselves and not for the other. In proclaiming the "True Gospel" we need to ensure that everything we do is based on love. It is not based on what scripture says or does not say because with all works touched by humankind there is an opening for interpretation. Interpretation by humankind is based on the non-understanding of the presence of God, as we cannot fully know God. Just think a moment about the reaction of the ten lepers (Lk 17.11-19). In this scene we see the return of one to give thanks, one who is other, to give thanks to God for God's presence in his life. So one in ten only see the truth in the moment, not everyone. We must strive towards understanding and not misinterpret for our own privilege. The scriptures are not the true Gospel but signposts to the true Gospel.

During the Synod charge this year Archbishop Kay spoke of the enduring basis of the Gospel of Love and how the new mission plan of the diocese is built around this sense of love in Christ Jesus. It is not about how we interpret ourselves but how we build on the love that has been freely given to us. We commit ourselves to live as Christ in the world shining our lights by setting an example of peace, love and hope. Archbishop Kay referred to the Arch's (Archbishop Emeritus Tutu) words regarding what Anglicans do - We meet. This is a profound understanding of our role in faith; to bring together people in community by meeting and sharing the story of God's unfailing love and sacrifice for ourselves. This is our role, our sacrifice for the people who surround us, to meet with them and bring them into the love of God through our welcoming and sacrificial love of them irrespective of their views of us. Jeremiah's message to the exiles (Jer. 29.4-7) is one of being community in the midst of exile, bringing God's light to those who are not or do not know God's presence in their lives.

Do we actually shine as God's light in our community?

Only when we fully understand that the True Gospel that is spoken about in Timothy is a gospel based not on interpretation but on the action of love in our lives will we begin to understand our role as the light of Christ in the world. We too often hide ourselves away and consider only ourselves when we share with others. It is our calling to bring before the people of the world the love that is present in God. It is our goal as Anglicans to live in the community and to meet so that we can share with others the love of God. It is not our calling to meet to bicker but rather to meet and listen not only to those around us but also to God. In listening to God we can then input into our discussion God's love and understanding seeking a way forward in the light of Christ. It is not about denying a response to a plea but rather listening to the plea and responding with God's love.