My puppy (Princess Jasmine)was bitten by my larger dog (Bailey). I felt sick to my stomach as the puppy screamed in pain not only when bit, but periodically for the next couple of days.
She seems okay now, but in the midst of her pain, I felt ill with concern about her (Jasmine’s) hurting. Then God reminded me about how He feels sick too when we, His children, fight with each other, when people hurt others, and when people hurt themselves.
Twice this past week I heard young adults explain to me how Christianity is perceived as judgemental and hurtful by many young adults. This is especially true of people who have friends that are of different faiths or identify as LGBTQ+ or if they themselves identify differently than hetero and Christian.
I think, once again about how God experiences pain. How did those who identify as God’s people, as wholly loved and accepted, and who have been invited into relationship with the Divine get the reputation as judgmental a**holes?
The younger adults I spoke with, didn’t want to be associated with the judgmental Christians. They each expressed hurt in being grouped into a Christian understanding was judgmental, instead of accepting and loving. I think this is a good reminder for all of us who call ourselves Christian.
Recognizing some Christians condemn those who they view as different or see as sinful is prevalent in our society. I believe it is important to recognize the following when we drift towards judgment and condemnation:
First, we all sin, we all still fall short, even today we continue to miss the mark. God’s Grace is still a gift and unearned. Second, we are not righteous through our works, but through the faith of Jesus Christ and our trust in Him.
We have been forgiven through Christ’s work. We are made righteous only through Jesus. We stand before God because of God’s work (period). We just receive in faith.
Third, when we use the bible to condemn others, we trip over the same “stumbling block” as the religiousof Jesus’ time. You know, those people Jesus most often conflicted with and those whom God in Jesus condemned.
We are all humbled before God, and in our humility God is able to use us. God chooses to use us to do His will. We are the instruments of God’s will. And Love is God’s will for God’s children (you). Love is the fulfillment of the law and God’s will for us (Rom.13:10).
In society where conflict is common, Love is our mission. Love respects and values and cares for differing opinions and all people.
We may not agree with others and that is okay, but Love is the only act that will bring us together and produce Shalom (peace). God is the source of Love as God is Love and Love defines God’s character (1 Jn.4:8). It should define God’s people too (Jn.13:35). God’s love brought you and me Shalom.
Love is the answer to all the troubles of this world, including division. Let us be Love to the world.
