Guest Unitarian Universalist minister and award-winning author Kate Braestrup considers the question of whether and how we love the unlovable.
Summary:
This sermon explores the profound nature of genuine compassion and tolerance through the lens of a law enforcement chaplain’s experiences. By using the metaphor of a wayward sheep, the speaker argues that true salvation often comes from those willing to get their hands dirty by helping people who hold opposing beliefs or values. The sermon critiques superficial inclusivity, noting that many who claim to be open-minded often struggle to offer grace to those outside their immediate ideological circle. Real love is depicted not as an abstract theory, but as the courageous presence of “shepherds”—such as first responders or patient activists—who prioritize human life over political purity. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a radical empathy that embraces the “smell of sheep,” suggesting that spiritual holiness is found in serving others despite their flaws or differences.