06/10/2026
Paul’s chain of transformation—suffering, endurance, character, hope—is not a prosperity gospel. It does not say suffering is good. It says suffering does not get the last word. And for communities that have been targeted by religious violence, told their love is a sin, pushed out of churches and families and belonging, that distinction matters enormously.
This month, we remember that Pride began as a riot—an act of resistance by people who were harassed and helpless and decided to show up anyway. That is endurance. That is character. That is hope. And Paul says the hope that comes from that kind of endurance does not disappoint—because the love of God has already been poured into the hearts of the people the world tried to crush.
Jesus looks at the crowds and sees them clearly: harassed, helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He is not disgusted. He is moved with compassion. He sends his disciples out to do the same work—cure the sick, raise the dead, give without payment. The congregation that is still showing up is also being sent.
To watch online, visit https://www.youtube.com/. To learn more about Livingston UMC, please visit us at livingstonchurch.org.
