I shared a picture online this week I had seen making the rounds. In light of the week's tragedy, I had seen it posted several times and felt an inclination to say something. The picture compared the faith of Mr. Rogers and of a warrior for Christ type. Here is what I said:
"The picture suggests that being a “Mr. Rogers” kind of Christian isn’t enough, and that what we really need is to suit up as warriors. But that’s not the gospel.
Fred Rogers embodied the way of Jesus more than we realize. Kindness takes grit. Patience takes discipline. Loving your neighbor, even the one who offends you, takes real courage. That’s not weakness. That’s following the way of Jesus.
The call of Christ is not to put on armor and fight battles of our own making (Read that last part again!). The call is to love. To forgive. To show mercy. To walk humbly. That’s harder than swinging a sword.
So here’s the challenge: Don’t belittle the way of gentleness. Don’t dismiss kindness as soft. Empathy is not a sin or misguided notion. It is a doorway to our healing. The world doesn’t need more Christians who think they’re crusaders. The world needs more Christians brave enough to follow Jesus all the way to the cross."
And here's how I think that relates to our reading today. 1 Timothy 1 is one of those passages we misunderstand, perhaps. When we hear "fight the good fight," it's tempting to take this to mean combat. Taking up arms, putting others in their place and leaving no prisoners behind. But I don't think that's the fight that's supposed to come to mind.
Tradition tells us this letter comes from an older Paul, encouraging a young Timothy in his pastoral calling. Here, the fight isn't about weapons or enemies. It's about holding on to faith and keeping a clear conscience. And how we need to hear that same message today!
Yes, let's take up the true fight. Not with anger or violence, but with faithfulness and integrity. Let's ask God for the courage to fight with love, integrity and hope.
Stay blessed...john | 
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