We the people
There are certain words used so often in our daily vocabulary that we can easily forget what they actually mean. Or they slip into our everyday conversations without particular attention to their importance. Take, for instance, the simple significance of the word “we.” I’d venture to guess you use it dozens (if not hundreds) of times a day. I realize I’ve already used it in this first paragraph without much thought. I wonder: what do we really mean when we say “we?”
A few weeks ago, I was at a University of Iowa women’s basketball game when the announcer excitedly declared “We’re ready to cheer on our Hawkeyes!” Well… that was certainly true for most of us. But not the people dressed in the opposing team’s colors peppered throughout the crowd.
Or, when the authors of the Constitution chose to begin with the phrase “We the people of the United States…” exactly who did they mean by “we?” Who gets to truly enjoy the establishment of justice and domestic tranquility, as the wording of the document declares? Was that “we” really meant to include everyone?
In a time when we, as a country, feel more divided than ever, it seems to me that many of our disagreements can be boiled down to who that “we” truly includes. Who is guaranteed those great, inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? What do we want our children to learn in schools? Who do we believe should have the right to marry, pursue citizenship, or have gainful employment? What do we value as individuals, communities, or a nation? Our political system has been founded on the premise that we can debate and discuss such questions. Differing opinions and perspectives can—and do—coexist.
And yet, the good news is, as Christian people, we get to hold onto a different understanding of that little word “we.” When Jesus was once asked “Who is my neighbor?”, another way of phrasing it might’ve been “Who is we?… Who belongs and who doesn’t? Who do I have to associate with? Who do I need to care about or tend to, in order to be a truly faithful person?”
And Jesus’ response—what we’ve come to know as the parable of the Good Samaritan—was a way of saying, well, everyone. The person you would least expect, or who you’d be least likely to associate with, or who you would never agree with, or who lives differently than you—they are your neighbor. They are part of our “we”—included in the embrace of God’s love.
As Christians, we get to see things a little differently. We believe all people are children of God, made in God’s image. So, all people ought to receive welcome, compassion, love, and belonging, no matter how similar or different they are from us. In the kingdom of God, there is no ‘us’ and ‘them’—there is only “we”.
As people of faith, may our “we” truly mean “all”—even for those so very different from ourselves. And may we work to create a world where no one is a stranger, everyone is our neighbor, and love connects us all.
Audrey Keeney
Thank You, Pastor Katy. Timely message and well written.
Sam Gross
Thanks Pastor. I pray, “we” the people of the UNITED States would all read and practice John 13: 34-35. 34 I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Wanda Gilson
Amen!
Lisa Williams
Just the words I needed to read tonight. Amen and amen to no one being a stranger and all being Neighbors. May we seek to extend love to all.
Debbie James
Yes! Yes! Yes! A small word with such powerful meaning. Thank you for your compassionate message!
Dawn Nickles
WE needed this message!!
Al Hutson
Very timely Katy. Thank you.
Suzy Schindler
Imagine our world if “we” was an action verb! If only…
Deb Kretschmer
The most beautiful words WE need to hear at this time… thank you.
Donna Naae
Thank you, Katy, for such a timely message.
Sheila Mesick
Amen and Amen!
Renee Wade
Very well said Katy! Thank you!
Gina Bielski
I am so grateful that “YOU” are a part of our “WE.” Thank you for this beautiful message!
Marcia Willi
Couldn’t agree more, Gina!!