sermon: “People are not problems”

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Deuteronomy 18:15–20; 1 Corinthians 8:1–13; Mark 1:21–28
Pastor Clark Olson-Smith

Jesus refuses to demonize.

Listen to Pastor Clark’s sermon. Thanks to Matt Reece for uploading.

This sermon took inspiration from Brene Brown‘s work on shame, vulnerability, and courage. Click here to listen to an interview with Brown.

About not demonizing people but instead seeking grace in disagreement and engaging others around difficult topics, Brown encourages:

I know I am ready to give feedback when:

  • I’m ready to sit next to you rather than across from you.
  • I’m willing to put the problem in front of us rather than between us (or sliding it toward you).
  • I’m ready to listen ask questions, and accept that I may not fully understand the issue.
  • I want to acknowledge what you do well instead of picking apart your mistakes.
  • I recognize your strengths and how you can use them to address your challenges.
  • I can hold you accountable without shaming or blaming you.
  • I’m willing to own my part.
  • I can genuinely thank you for your efforts rather than criticize you for your failings.
  • I can talk about how resolving these challenges will lead to your growth and opportunity.
  • I can model the vulnerability and openness that I expect to see from you.

From a longer blog post: click here to read.

Click here for more sermons.

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