They walked with God in peace and love but failed with one another;

while sternly for the faith they strove, brother fell out with brother.

But He in whom they put their trust, who knew their frames,

that they were dust, with pity healed their weakness.

 

“They Walked with God”

 

Hymn 396, Moravian Book of Worship

 

The English Moravian poet, James Montgomery, wrote these words to describe what took place on August 13, 1727.  Moravians remember this date as the spiritual “birthday” of the Moravian Church.  During that time, many who had fled religious persecution in their homelands found refuge on the estate of Count Zinzendorf in Herrnhut, Germany.  Yet, as the community grew, conflicts arose.  There were many differences among the inhabitants.  Zinzendorf intervened and emphasized the importance of Christian love within their community, and he encouraged residents to study the Bible and pray for one another.

A service of Holy Communion at the nearby Lutheran parish on August 13 resulted in a tremendous experience of spiritual renewal and reconciliation.

In the days that followed, the Herrnhut community gained a sense of unity and purpose, and was transformed into a movement for mission, sending missionaries throughout the world.  This mission is described in the third verse of Montgomery’s hymn:

 

Then forth they went, with tongues of flame in one blessed theme delighting;

the love of Jesus, and His Name, God’s children all uniting.

That love our theme and watchword still; the law of love may we fulfill —

give love as love we’re given.

 

As we remember a significant date for our church this month, and as we continue in a season of politics for our nation, may we remember the Holy Spirit which helped form our denomination out of people with various backgrounds and differences.  May we give love, as love we’re given.

Thanks be to God, now and always.

 

In Christ,

 

The Rev. John G. Rights