Why I Love Our Country—In Light of Jesus Christ

Letter From the Pastor

Romans 12:2 (CEB) Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature.

Why I Love Our Country—In Light of Jesus Christ

Summary: I love our country because, in light of Jesus Christ, true patriotism means working for justice, welcoming all, and reflecting God’s love in our national life.

As we approach Independence Day, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to love our country—not with blind allegiance, but with eyes wide open and hearts rooted in Christ. For me, loving America isn’t about thinking we’re perfect. It’s about holding our country to its highest calling: to be a place of liberty, dignity, and justice for all. And as a follower of Jesus, I believe that love of country must always be shaped by love of God.

Jesus taught us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind—and to love our neighbors as ourselves. That means any form of patriotism worth having must be grounded in compassion, justice, and humility. I love our country not just for its beauty, its diversity, or its potential—but because I see in its people a God-given spark of hope and goodness. And I believe God calls us to nurture that spark.

I love our country when we welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, and care for the vulnerable. I love our country when we march for justice, speak truth to power, and remember that “liberty and justice for all” must mean all. I love our country when we repent of our national sins and work together toward reconciliation and renewal.

In Christ, we are citizens of God’s kingdom first—but that doesn’t mean we love our earthly home any less. It means we love it more deeply, more honestly, and more courageously. We love it enough to want it to reflect God’s dream for humanity.

So this week, I give thanks for our freedoms. I give thanks for those who’ve sacrificed for our common good. And I pray that we, the Church, might be a people who love our country as Christ loves the world—not with domination, but with servant-hearted grace.

God bless America,

Pastor Anny+

The Rev. Dr. Anny Genato+

Rector

St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church