What if we’re being too harsh with the wrong people? What if, a lot of us, particularly in this country, are getting it all wrong? What if we’re on the wrong side of the line in the sand? Scary thought, but one that is not too far off.
Christians really can’t feign ignorance these days. With public libraries, Churches in every town and now, the internet, there really is no excuse for not having a better understanding of what being a true Christian means. More than that though, is our heart — it is in within our own hearts that the message has been planted and its there that we get that “feeling” that tells us right from wrong — its there that we get our “sixth sense” that maybe we’re right or wrong about a given issue or situation. So knowing this, why do so many still refuse to embrace what is not only expected of us, but really, what is commanded of us?
It has been made perfectly clear and Jesus came right out and taught this: we are to love and understand and we are to be compassionate and gentle and we are to love others, just as we want to be loved. And simply put, that means if we want people to be kind to us and gentle with us, then that is precisely what we must do for others.
The Reverend Benjamin Cremer really puts out some great messaging on social media and the one below is a good example:
Its so simple, yet so profound: Jesus taught us to be ware of the rich and powerful and especially those that hid behind a counterfeit set of religious ideals and rules that in truth, they often just made up. The rich and religious of the day gained immense power and wealth by always controlling the masses and using fear to gain control — they made up rules and rituals and told the masses that if they didn’t obey, they would receive some sort of Divine punishment. These religious “leaders” didn’t bring people to God, they drove them away.
We are seeing this happen yet again, especially in the United States. People are outright making stuff up and saying its God’s will. Is it? Is it though? Is God’s will to kill another of His children? Didn’t He command “Thou shalt not kill?” Is neglecting the widows and orphans God’s will? Doesn’t He actually tell us to feed them? Doesn’t He command that we welcome our neighbors? If anyone tries to tell us that the will of God involves violence or hatred or greed or revenge, please reject it outright, because those feelings/traits/actions are not from God.
There are those who believe, and I happen to be one of them, that people who call themselves “Christian” and then turn around and do the complete opposite of what we are called to do, do so because they lack faith and they are in truth, afraid. They will always try to convince others that they’re right and they will twist the Word of God to try and convince us of that, but they’re not. Christians should be mindful and have the faith to reject the manufactured lies of those false Christians and one reason being, is that God has told us to not be afraid. God is in control and nothing is beyond His power, so knowing this, we have no need to ever wage violence or war or cruelty against anyone.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6-7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
