"Here I Stand"

When the great reformer Martin Luther was asked to recant his criticisms of the church at the Diet of Worms, he refused to do so (at the risk of his life, I might add). He is said to have spoken, "Here I stand, I can do no other. God help me. Amen." That makes me consider, are there principles that I would live for (and, if necessary, die for - but I really hope that won't be necessary). The answer is yes (which is good, or else, this would have been the shortest and most meaningless blog in history). About six months ago, I began writing some of these "core principles" down as a part of my participation in the School of Congregational Development. I will share them in an occasional series. The first core principle is a simple one, "God is love." Duh! I know that is an easy one. But, it is essential. Love literally defines the nature of God. It is knitted to the fabric of creation. Love - agape, self-giving, unconditional love - is truly what makes the world go around. It is the force of creation and the moral center of the universe. So, to recap, God is love. For further reading on this topic, I might suggest Genesis 2, or 1 Corinthians 13, or John 4:7-12, 16-21. God is love. Here I stand. Do you stand with me?