The Stroke of Love

The small clapboard building was the center of the community located near the head of a valley in the backwoods of Tennessee. Families could only reach their homes by foot or riding their mules. Single-file trails were the only passages through the mountains. Running water came from springs or streams. Indoor plumbing was nonexistent.

On Sunday, the clapboard building was a church; on weekdays a schoolhouse. Pews were backless, plank benches. They had no preacher, so elder Haden ministered to folks of the rural community. His messages were always Hell-fire and brimstone. Each sermon spoke of an angry God who wanted to punish sinners, preaching of a harsh and judgmental Father.

In school were eight children in five grades, taught by a single teacher. Layton Chance was an outstanding pupil, reading every book he could lay his hands on. When he’d read every book in the community, he walked nearly six miles to borrow books from a nearby town’s library. His appetite for knowledge earned him a reputation and a scholarship to a Bible college.

After years of sermons on an angry God, Chance discovered the attributes of a loving Father. He learned that God sent his Son, Jesus, to die as ransom for man’s sin debt. Chance graduated, carrying the message of God’s love in his heart.

Back home Chance found that Haden was still preaching sermons about a wrathful God.  Chance attempted to breach the walls of a vengeful God, but Haden fought back.

“If you’re going to try to teach that love foolishness in my church, I will throw you out.” Then he addressed the rest of the congregation, “Listen to him and you can leave the church as well.”

Chance countered, “Brother Haden, 1 John chapter four reads ‘God is love.’ It doesn’t just say God loves, it says God is love. He sent his Son, Jesus to die for our sins. That’s a Father’s love, not someone who hates mankind.”

“Out, out!” Haden screamed. Spittle flew from his lips.

Chance had just turned to leave when Haden collapsed. Chance helped the other men of the church carry Haden home, then stayed by Haden’s side.

The stroke left Elder Haden weak. Chance worked Haden’s farm and his own, often eighteen hours each day. After many weeks with help, Haden was able to walk to church.

As he entered the sanctuary an expectant hush fell over the small congregation. A fly buzzed overhead. Haden shuffled to the pulpit. Pulling himself erect, he said, “God is love.” Turning, he took a seat on the plank bench.