Sharon Yoder, IMMC Conference Co-Minister, reflects on the connecting power of loving relentlessly.

“Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen.”

These words from 1 Corinthians 13:7-8a (Phillips) are guiding our conference work this year. Love has no borders. Love never stops loving. Love is never defeated. Love never fails. Diana Butler Bass once phrased this as an invitation. “Love relentlessly,” she said.

Where might this invitation take us? What connections might develop with our neighbors when we love with this sort of courage, generosity, and persistence?

The stories in this edition of Gospel Evangel propose the possibilities of relating with immigrants who have been detained by ICE and joining in a sister relationship with another congregation in our conference that is different than our own. These suggestions might generate other ideas for building new relationships, relationships that would grow intercultural competence as we lean into sharing relentless love with our neighbors.  

New connections can be frightening. They also have the potential to bring deep meaning. Research indicates that mental, physical, and emotional health improves when we’re connected to other humans. People feel seen, heard, and valued through connection. How might generous and persistent love for our neighbors invite new and deeper connections?

“Love relentlessly.” This is invitation for us as a community of congregations. In this season when marginalized populations are facing further marginalization, may we practice radical and courageous love for our neighbors. Love has no borders. Love never stops loving.