letters lead to words....words lead to schism

letter by letter
we
create words.

words
are all we have
to describe
and define
and communicate.

some speak
words with
sovereign
power.

some allow
others to
speak with sovereignty.

God
is the only sovereign power
and the only
being who speaks
with sovereignty.

only thing we
wrestle with each other
as to the words
God has spoken...
as to the words
that are written
in a text we
affirm is holy.

God said this.
God said that.
God means this.

context
perspective
culture
history
definitions...
all these things
are part of encountering
the words
belonging to God.

and yet
how sad...
words God
spoke
for the purpose of
loving...
we hurl at each other in hate.

i don't think one
Christian would say
they intentionally
use God's word
to hate
but
it seems
even hatred
is made holy and sacred
when used
to
exclude.

push away
or run away
quite a number
in the church are doing
just this.

push away:
you don't belong here.

run away:
we want to create an island
because you are here
and if we can't get you to leave
we will schism.

neither seem
a faithful response
to me.