For some reason, we think of God's covenant love as conditional. For example, if a denomination or a congregation or a baptized Christian does something that is bad, then we will say (or hear it said): "Because they have done this bad thing, they are no longer a church." Or, "Because that Christian has done this bad thing, that person is no longer a Christian." In an anything-goes-world, such statements are an attempt to draw lines and to bring clarity. However, there might well be a better way to respond to such unfortunate circumstances.

Psalm 89 provides a better way for the People of God to consider these matters. After describing and celebrating God's covenant with David, the Psalmist writes: "If his [David's] children forsake my law and do not walk according to my ordinances, if they violate my statutes and do not keep my commandments, then I will punish their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with scourges; but I will not remove from him my steadfast love, or be false to my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant, or alter the word that went forth from my lips." (Psalm 89:30-34, RSV, emphasis added) That is, God promises faithfulness to His covenant -- no matter what those on the other side of the covenant are doing. When God's chosen people are faithful and when God's chosen people are unfaithful, God will remain faithful to His covenant promises.

Therefore, when a Protestant denomination takes a wrong turn -- for example, when a denomination is silent about the evil of the slave trade -- that denomination does not cease being a church. Why? Because of the covenant love of God. Instead, it might be said that that church is not a faithful church.

Likewise, when a local church goes off the rails -- for example, by getting mired in an all-church squabble about the color of the new carpet that is soon to be purchased -- that congregation does not cease being a church. Why? Because of the covenant love of God. Instead, it might be said that that local church is not a faithful local church.

Similarly, when a Christian becomes involved in public wrong doing -- for example, by being caught in an illegal drug deal -- that person does not cease being a Christian. Why? Because of the covenant love of God. Instead, it might be said that that person is not a faithful Christian.

The covenant love of God is durable and faithful -- consistent no matter what the circumstance. His covenant love, as Psalm 89 warns, can become a love that judges, punishes, and corrects. But His covenant love persists.

After all, the covenant love of God "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends...." (I Corinthians 13:7-8) This love hopes that the wrongs will be forgiven, that the wrongs will be made right.

Our God is a stubborn God. For that we should be very thankful.