When we think about foreign policy, it’s easy to forget that nations are made up of people, and how we treat individual people was incredibly important to Jesus, far more than national identities.

Considering Israel and Gaza in light of Isaac and Ishmael, peace is not gained through superior firepower, but superior love.

“They will know we are Christians by our love.” Sometimes, we need to minister God’s love practically, not by preaching at people. I’m sorry to say I used to think the most loving thing I could do for needy people would be getting them saved, and that would lead to any necessary physical benefits in their lives. But now that seems immature to me.

On this Independence Day, that sublime phrase “all men are created equal” is on my mind. I rejoice in the liberties I enjoy, but I’m also keenly aware this year of the gaps in equality that still exist in this nation. The esteemed Framers of the Declaration of Independence did not seem to write the word “all” in the same manner as today we understand it. And aspirational statements enshrined in our founding documents do not carry the force of law. Working out those aspirations and giving them proper force in the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of our government is a tedious, difficult process at best. Much work is still required to bring “equal” to its full meaning.

A Christian coffee shop that I know about has a non-binary-identifying employee. The shop’s motto is “Love God, Love People, Love Coffee,” and their Facebook presence is full of customers celebrating God’s love. The shop chose to celebrate God’s love for that individual on social media a couple days ago. I’m deeply disappointed. Surprise: It’s