As a Christian, I am care deeply about the impact that Christians have on people. My heart’s desire is to honor God and to reflect His love and message to others. Recently, though, many Americans have made it clear that they think Christians and religion are negative and dangerous to the good of others. That is exactly the opposite reaction from what we wish and it breaks my heart.
Someone once asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was. He answered in the gospel of Matthew, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
I'm so sorry you have been hurt.
Although I may say I love people with different beliefs than mine, how do I show them this love? Words are cheap. How do I flesh it out?
Even if I do politely interact with others and give them tangible help, do I do it out of love for them, or for my own credit?
What do I really think about those who are different than I? Do I have thoughts that I am better than they are simply because I have more than they do?
I'm so sorry that I have hurt you.
Yes, guilty as charged.
Yes, guilty of pride.
Yes, guilty of feeling superior.
Yes, guilty of doing it for me.
Yes, no where near perfect.
Even if we never
say things out loud,
our attitudes
on the inside
come out
one way or another.
Please don't think that Jesus is not perfect just because we aren't.
It is right for you to expect Christians to behave well. It is disappointing and sad that we often don’t. Speaking for myself, I absolutely know that I am not better than anyone at all and I am very sorry that I ever have thought I was. In reality Christians are involved in all of the same bad actions that non Christians are. This is a big, big, big problem in the church. We need to clean up our act if we wish others to respect us. The only one who hasn’t done these things is God Himself and His Son, Jesus. Please don’t think He is not perfect just because we are not. Please never give up on Him or allow any mere man or woman to drive a wedge between you and Him.
This is remarkable!! AMEN AND AMEN