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Radical Love and Clarity in Today’s Tumultuous World

March 28, 2025

Hosea 14:1-9| Mark 12:28-34 | Psalm 81:8-14

In the midst of turmoil—political unrest, social divisions, injustice, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty—Lent asks us to pause, reflect, and center ourselves on the transformative love of God. The season of Lent is a journey not only of repentance and renewal but of clarity—clarity in how we see ourselves, our relationships, and our role in the world. This clarity comes through God’s radical love, which heals, restores, and reorients us toward what truly matters. As I reflected on today’s readings, I kept coming back to how this love, when authentically contemplated and practiced, provides clarity we so desperately need in today’s world.

In the Gospel reading from Mark, Jesus sums up the commandments with one foundational truth: “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Mark 12:29-31).

These two commandments capture the essence of God’s love: to love Him fully and to love others as ourselves. This is a radical love—one that challenges us to see beyond our own self-interest and to embrace a broader vision of community. In a world that often seemingly centers division over unity, where hatred and fear seem to be on the rise, Jesus calls us to a love that is expansive, inclusive, and self-giving.

Loving God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength brings clarity to our outlook. It reorients our priorities, helping us to focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God. From that love flows the second commandment: to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is where clarity in action takes root. Love isn’t just a feeling; it is lived out in the way we treat others, especially those who are different from us, those who are suffering, and those who are marginalized.

Where fear and hatred often fuel division, the command to love our neighbor becomes a radical act against these forces of disunity, and requires us to confront our own biases, to extend grace, and to seek the welfare of others as much as we seek our own.

This is all well and fine, but now how do I put it into practice?  I’m someone who needs a list and a plan.  I was struggling with this, so I asked ChatGPT for some suggestions.  As we continue through Lent and beyond, here are some things I will continue to work on:

  • Listen to Others with Compassion: Listen with empathy, especially to those I disagree with, to foster dialogue, healing, and reconciliation. (Oof- that’s sometimes a tough one for me. I’m pretty stubborn.)
  • Stand Up for Justice: Act with compassion and advocate for the vulnerable, standing against injustice, whether racial inequality, poverty, or oppression. (Even when it feels scary to do so…especially when it feels scary to do so.)
  • Forgive as I Have Been Forgiven: Choose to forgive those who have wronged me, even when it’s difficult, to bring clarity and healing. (Another stretch goal.  Again, I can be pretty stubborn.)
  • Serve Others Selflessly: Help others and be present for those in need, showing God’s love through action. (OK!  This one fuels me and feels within reach.)
  • Pursue Peace: Strive to be a peacemaker in my community, workplace, and home, even when peace seems elusive. (Aspirational, but something I will keep actively trying to do.)

In this season, we are reminded that God’s love is not just a concept—it is a transformative force. It brings clarity to our lives, helping us to see the world as God sees it and to live in ways that reflect His love. As we return to God, listen to His voice, and live out His commandments, we are invited to practice radical love in our world. This love heals the brokenness within us and around us, offering clarity in the midst of the turmoil.

Shareen Knowlton

“The photos I’ve attached are of my son in 2020 writing a card to children in Minneapolis following George Flloyd’s death.  I learn a lot when I follow his lead, and when writing the blog post, I kept coming back to how he innately seems to lead with love.  Something I truly aspire to.”