Connecting Like Jesus

Chapter 47

Good Monday Morning

Welcome to week 48 of 2024 and chapter 47 of Warapunga.ch.

This week, we reflect on the life and legacy of Anthony (Tony) Campolo, a remarkable sociologist, pastor, author, and spiritual advisor, who passed away on November 19, 2024, at the age of 89. Campolo was a leading voice in the evangelical left, known for his commentary on religious, political, and social issues. In 2007, he co-founded the Red Letter Christians movement, emphasizing the teachings of Jesus as central to Christian living. Campolo’s guiding principle was, “Jesus is the lens through which we interpret the Bible.”

Connecting Like Jesus

No one in history has connected with others as Jesus did. He interacted not just with peers but also with those deemed outcasts by society, offering a relational style unlike any other. Crowds from all walks of life followed him—fishermen, Roman soldiers, and government officials—each drawn by his presence and teachings.

The Bible tells us how Roman soldiers, sent to arrest him, returned empty-handed because they were captivated by his words. They explained simply, “Never has anyone spoken like this!” (John 7:46). Fishermen left their livelihoods to follow him, and his charisma drew people who were not only mesmerized by his words but transformed by them (Mark 6:30–33). Even his enemies could recognize the impact he had on his followers (Acts 4:13).

What made Jesus so uniquely compelling? His ability to connect with people transcended communication techniques; it was spiritually charged communication that resonated with both the simplest child and the most elite scholar. This connection held the power to transform lives and change the course of history.

As Tony Campolo and Mary Darling wrote in their book Connecting Like Jesus, spiritually charged communication combines practical skills with spiritual practices to create deeper, God-honoring connections. They remind us that effective communication is not just about skill but also spiritual empowerment that transforms relationships.

Overcoming Guilt and Anxiety

In Why I Left, Why I Stayed, Campolo reflected on two obstacles to living fully in the present:

• “Guilt keeps me oriented to the past, focusing on what I should or should not have done. Anxiety, on the other hand, orients me to the future, preventing me from enjoying life now. Caught between guilt and anxiety, I have nothing left to address the present moment in which I find myself.”

This wisdom encourages us to let go of burdens from the past and fears for the future, freeing ourselves to live more fully in the present.

Spiritual Disciplines for Connection

Campolo also emphasized the power of spiritual disciplines—centering prayer, the prayer of examen, lectio divina, and spiritual direction—as tools for connecting with God and others. These practices invite us to reflect with gratitude, repent of unloving actions, and align our deepest desires with God’s truth.

In the words of Campolo and Darling:
• “Nobody becomes or remains good in isolation. We have to help one another grow.”

A New Week, A New Opportunity

As we step into this week, may we be inspired by Tony Campolo’s legacy to connect deeply, live presently, and grow together in love and grace.

Wishing you a meaningful start to this new week,
Philemon

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