Embodying Care: The Works Of Mercy And Care Of Creation

NADIA STEFKO, BRENT LAYTHAM, JEFFREY REED, KYLE CHILDRESS, JOEL SHUMAN, KELLY JOHNSON, AND RAGAN SUTTERFIELD, 2015

The proclamation that the world is “very good” means that is not our role to give the cosmos value. God has already judged it and nowhere is that judgment revoked — the creation remains with the appraisal “very good” forever sealed upon it. That Creation has already been given its value means that our work is not to determine its goodness, but to accept it. In such acceptance we cannot see Creation solely as a collection of “natural resources” — Our work is to cultivate our affections for the gifts of creation, giving our care and attention to it, we will begin to move into the life of the Creator, the community of God called Love. Love binds together all.