Excerpt from Exodus 3:16-22, 4:18-20

"I have given heed to you."

Reflection by William C. Green

Recognition and respect can be more important than agreement.  Think of angry times in personal relationships—or disputes at church.  Often one side or the other feels that their position is not really listened to or taken seriously.  Disagreement is easier to handle on the other side of respect.

In one congregation, a Vietnam veteran had seen many friends in his unit killed or disabled in the service of their country.  This lay behind his deep feelings about patriotism and "liberals" he considered un-American.  No one had wanted to hear about what he’d been through. Once he was really listened to, a more thoughtful spirit prevailed in conversation about justice and peace.

In another church, there was an owner of a small business who had been overwhelmed with government red tape while also confronting an aggressive labor union.  He was a defiant libertarian who hated government and unions.  Once he described what he’d been through, more open and productive discussion was possible in church debate about collective bargaining rights.  

As with Moses, God recognizes and respects us, "gives heed," wherever we are on life’s journey.  There is judgment, sure—sometimes welcome, sometimes hard to accept.  But it is judgment that takes into account what's behind our feelings and behavior.

When we can't give heed this way to others, we can at least remember there’s always something more important than how much we agree—and some one thing we don't know.

Prayer

God, may we recognize and respect others the way we want to be recognized and respected ourselves.  And when we can't, give us pause before we pass judgment.  Amen.

About the Author William C. Green, a United Church of Christ minister, is the Director of Long Looking, a consultancy service specializing in fundraising and education for congregations. His new book, 52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation: Generous Giving, has just been published.

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