In light of things going on in the world, I have to speak out. A little, anyway. Big surprise, eh?
There are some, in the name of religion, spreading hate and killing. In this country, we’ve hamstrung ourselves with the weak and flighty concept of “politically correct.”
We can’t objectively criticize anyone except white men, big business and Christians. Even to protect our nation.
But any religion that spouts death and hatred to those who disagree with them is not in my book, a religion, and should be challenged. I’m not saying to hate those people in return, where’s the good in that? I’m saying challenge it!
Here’s what John, the friend of Jesus wrote:
“He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”
Hate produces darkness. Hating people, other religions, other nations put the hater in darkness. If you hate, check your darkness meter.
Christians are accused of hating because we oppose abortion or sexual sin – homosexuality, adultery , fornication – or the government taking more and more of our money, or censuring our voice and rights.
Are there religious idiots who claim to be Christians holding up hate signs. Yes. And I say if Jesus were physically among them, He’d rebuke them.
Jesus hates religiousness. He calls us to love one another, BUT to speak the truth.
When the woman was caught in adultery and thrown at His feet about to be stoned, Jesus challenged her religious, bigoted accusers. He said, “First guy with no sin, throw the first stone.”
None could.
To the woman He said, “Go, SIN no more.” He didn’t condemn her, require punishment like lashes, but He called out her sin.
We still have to lovingly call out sin. How will people be free if we don’t call out sin? If I gossip, someone should call me on it.
I’ll close with these words from John, Jesus’ friend.
“No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.”