For the past few days, I have been glued to the television screen. While I do not advocate spending hours in front of the television, this past week I have made an exception to the healthy habit of limiting screen time. Why may you ask? In case any of you have been living under a rock, it is the greatest time of the year. No, it is not Christmas. It is 2016, which means Rio is abuzz with the festivities, celebrations, and miracles that accompany the Summer Olympics. Millions of Americans stand in awe as Michael Phelps establishes himself as a swimming legend, cry tears of joy as they watch Simone Biles stick her landings, and revel in the unrivaled athleticism of Katie Ledecky in the pool.

While watching athletes set new world records, as they accomplish goals requiring years of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice, brings excitement and joy to my life every four years, this is not a post to reveal my slightly unhealthy tendency to fangirl (which may or may not be true). Rather, it is to marvel in the little glimpses God gives to us of His wonderful creation and redemptive story through the Olympics.

No, the Olympics is not a religious event. Yet, as our country and the world hurt and grieve from the mass shootings and killings, which dominate the headlines, the Olympics shows a different side of humanity. A side of humanity, perhaps, that we have forgotten exists. With a polarized political system, aggressive racial strife, and an unprecedented amount of refugees fleeing from countries torn apart from terrorism, many have forgotten what it looks like to see people as people, not as enemies.

When asked why the Olympics should be valued, President Obama remarked, "The Olympic ideal of every country sending its best to compete in a spirit of good will — yeah, it's not going to end war, it's not going to eliminate poverty or some of the tragedies that we see every day — but it builds a sense of common humanity, a sense of empathy" (Yurcaba, romper.com). As we come together to watch thousands of the world’s best athletes compete with integrity, passion, and comradery, we begin to see that those living in different countries, who celebrate different traditions, are not that different from you and me. The President of the International Olympic Committee, in front of the entire audience present at the opening ceremony, stated, “We are living in a world of crises, mistrust, and uncertainty. Here is our Olympic answer: The 10,000 best athletes in the world, competing with each other, at the same time living peacefully together in one Olympic Village, sharing their meals and their emotions” (“IOC President At Opening Ceremony...”, cbslocal.com). There is a beauty that blossoms and grows when the fighting, the struggle for power, and the reckless name-calling is put aside.

Though I am certainly not saying the Olympics is the solution to our problems and the answer to world peace, I am saying that the Olympics is a wonderful time to gain a fresh perspective, question our prejudices, and learn to love our brothers and sisters. As the Church, we must embrace the Great Commission. Are we making disciples out of all nations? Do we love our neighbors? Our enemies? Do we view humans as God’s image bearers? One day, people from all nations will bow before the Lamb. Right here and right now, God is giving us the opportunity to preach the gospel, which can bring true and lasting peace and love to people of all color. In order to do that, however, we must love all humans regardless of their race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or political party they adhere to. Through Christ, we embrace people from all different backgrounds and welcome them into a community that lasts beyond the two weeks of the Olympics and stretches into eternity.