10.01.2024

"Let all that you do be done in love!"

During his devotion on the text of the watchword, Rev Dally quoted a poem of his university times: "It is what it is, says love". Photo by: Martina Pauly, UEM

In a YouTube-Video (in German language), the General Secretary of the United Evangelical Mission (UEM), Rev. Volker Martin Dally, interprets the watchword for 2024 "Let all that you do be done in love!" from 1 Corinthians 16:14.

Love is not saying yes and amen to everything

In his interpretation, the theologian points out, among other things, that love does not consist of saying yes and amen to everything, "but love is also the heartfelt discussion of different possibilities and paths. Love is not letting everything slide, but it is just as important to set boundaries and draw lines that must not be crossed." According to him, the supposedly open ear for everything and everyone should by no means lead to closing one's mouth and eyes.

Exposing misconduct can also be love

Last year's lively discussions about discrimination and racism within the international church community of the UEM had shown him that looking and listening away is by no means an act of love. "Let all that you do be done in love" therefore also encourages us to name wrongdoing and expose it relentlessly, just as Paul did to Peter and the Corinthians. According to the UEM General Secretary, this was also an act of love because he lovingly cared for them.

For him, the watchword for 2024 is an invitation to engage with love. "I want to try and ask myself before I act whether my actions and words are done in love. I trust that God's love will give me the strength to do so," concludes Volker Martin Dally in his theological interpretation.