Sin, Martin Luther explained, is like being curved in on oneself (curvatus in se). When we are self-absorbed, whether from arrogance or self-loathing, any good works we might do are motivated by self-interest. Grace frees us from sin and expands our horizons outward to our neighbors. We no longer act to prove ourselves worthy. We act because the divine, abundant love we have received overflows from us in gratitude and love for God and others.
As Luther joyfully embraced a God of grace, he too became more actively involved in what was happening to his neighbors. The church at that time was involved in selling indulgences – promises of reduced time in purgatory in exchange for financial payments.
For Luther, a transactional God, whose mercy could be bought, was no better than a God of merciless judgment. This was not God made flesh in Jesus, who fed the hungry and preached good news to the poor without charge. Compelled to correct these abuses of power, Luther spoke out against indulgences. He also supported establishing a “community chest” (a common fund) to aid financially vulnerable people.
This message is excerpted from the Bible study “After certainty” by Meghan Johnston Aelabouni in the July/August 2024 Gather magazine. Today we commemorate James, apostle.
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