God's Groan

by Layne Smith on May 12, 2025

The Apostle Paul was being accused of caring for and loving people not like us. Those people not like us include the vast majority of the population, doesn’t it? Think about it. It’s far easier to ignore, not like, and think less of others who are different from us. In this case, though, it was the Gentiles – you and me.

As I once heard Fred Craddock say when speaking of the 9th chapter of Romans, Paul had heard the groan of God over Rome. Paul understood the care of God for ALL, not just those like you and me! As we begin to experience warmer weather as summer approaches, let me ask you: Have you heard the groan of God over Charlotte?  If so, what have you heard? What have you heard in God’s groan that calls you to invest yourself in caring for and loving those who are different from you and me? I’m speaking of genuine care, not a paternalistic, oppressive inauthentic care that really is an expression of ones’ belief that: I’m better than you, holier than you, kinder than you, smarter than you, wealthier than you, more educated than you, but I’ll lower myself to “care” for you.

George Elliott, in one of her books wrote: McCarthy died today. He would have given his life for people who wouldn’t give him the time of day. Jesus heard God’s groan over creation and gave his life. Have you heard it? If so, how will you respond? If you haven’t heard God’s groan over Charlotte, what are you willing to do to begin identifying, listening to and for it, and responding redemptively to it?  The future health and vitality of MPBC depends on it.

I’m honored to share life and ministry with you - Layne

About the Author

Layne Smith

Rev. Dr. Layne Smith has dedicated his career to serving congregations in transition, providing pastoral leadership and guidance to churches across North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. Before stepping into intentional interim ministry in 2009, he was a Senior Pastor for 26 years in Arkansas and North Carolina. He holds a B.A. from Oklahoma Baptist University, did graduate work at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Baylor University, and earned his M.Div. and D.Min. at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

Layne and his wife, Dianne, have been married for over 50 years. They met while students in seminary and have two daughters and four grandchildren. Their family enjoys traveling and exploring international destinations together, and Layne also enjoys playing golf. 

Previous Page