6th Commandment Discomfort

Continued Advent greetings as we continue in this season of watching and waiting, yearning and hoping.

Last week, we began discussing the 6th commandment: “You Shall Not Commit Adultery.”  This week, we continue this week on the rather sensitive topic.  And I thought today’s email could address why it’s such a sensitive topic. 

One reason, I think, is that our culture puts such a huge emphasis on the importance of sexual mores.  And some of that emphasis is well-founded, I suppose.  None of us is very far removed from the pain of adultery.  None of us is very far removed from the pain of sexual assault.  For some of us, we have experienced that pain personally – or inflicted that pain personally.  For others, it’s someone in our family or one of our family members or co-workers who has experienced or inflicted that pain.  There is little else that seems to wound us so deeply.

So we understand why God places boundaries around our sexual thoughts and conduct.  And we are wise to embrace those boundaries.

But what about when those boundaries are violated?  Or what about when we enter into intimacy with a partner we were certain was “the one” and then that relationship ends?  How then are we to feel about ourselves?  How are we to feel about others who violate this commandment?

We must also remember that our God is a God of mercy and new life.  And whatever ways we might  have stepped “out of bounds” there is always the hope of a new start.  The consequence of our sin is real – and can sometimes last a long time.  But God is merciful as well.

So wherever you are in this journey of sexuality, no matter your past, God loves you in this moment more powerfully than you could possibly understand.  And moment bv moment, step by step, He can make you and your human relationships new.

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Youth Sunday December 13
Join us on our December 13 radio broadcast (KWAD at 9:30am or on YouTube after 5:45am), for a very special Youth Sunday.  Many Immanuel youth are sharing their gifts and abilities offering music, readings, and prayers.

 

Advent Evening Prayer on Facebook
Join us each Advent Sunday on our Facebook page at 5pm for a 5- or 6-minute video reflecting on loss, grief, and hope.  Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one – recent or many years ago – or the loss of something this pandemic has taken from you, join us for these brief video moments, which will include candles, psalms, and prayers of lament.  Dates are November 29, December 6, December 13, and December 20.  Visit wadenaimmanuel.org for the link to our Facebook page.

 

Meal Distribution December 15, 4:30-6:00pm

Are you or someone you know in need of food? We will be hosting a free meal distribution event on Tuesday, December 15th from 4:30pm to 6:00pm in the parking lot at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena. The nutritional meals are being prepared by Hilltop Regional Kitchen in Eagle Bend. Each person is eligible to receive up to 5 meals. 3 of the meals will be frozen and 2 of them will be ready to eat "bag lunch" style. We will be handing out 600 meals on a first come, first serve basis. You don't need to qualify or prove eligibility. Meals will be distributed in a drive through style in the parking lot, and we will be following all MDH & CDC guidelines.  This event is sponsored by Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota through a grand from the Minnesota Department of Education. All are welcome, please wear a mask. 

Check out our news page to learn more and for other important announcements: https://www.wadenaimmanuel.org/announcements

 

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