September 20, 2024

                 Be Kind to Jesus

Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD

And He will give a reward to the lender.

– Proverbs 19:17

Who are the poor? Do they look like you? Do they live in your community? Are they lazy? Are they children with parents who don’t care? Are they women escaping violence? Are they the person sitting next to you on that church pew?

Increasingly, we have no care for the poor. We’ll gather items for shoeboxes. We’ll contribute diapers or clothes to an organization of our choosing. We might even put a few cans of food into a donation box for the food pantry.

But we don’t want to do anything that might get our hands dirty. We don’t want to associate with people who don’t look like us or speak the same language we speak. We really don’t want to see the poor or associate with them.

Do you remember what Jesus said in Matthew’s gospel?

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or see you thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?

The king will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

– Matthew 25:35-40

Our world is filled with hate and entitlement. We proclaim a faith we don’t live. We quote scripture but refuse to live it out in our own lives.

Don’t tell me what the Bible says. Show me. Get your hands dirty. Make a sacrifice for someone you don’t know who can never repay you. Do the right thing even when the wrong thing would be far easier and less costly.

Following Jesus was never meant to be easy. Stop thinking that it is.

September 20, 2024

                    Be Kind to Jesus

Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD

And He will give a reward to the lender.

– Proverbs 19:17

Who are the poor? Do they look like you? Do they live in your community? Are they lazy? Are they children with parents who don’t care? Are they women escaping violence? Are they the person sitting next to you on that church pew?

Increasingly, we have no care for the poor. We’ll gather items for shoeboxes. We’ll contribute diapers or clothes to an organization of our choosing. We might even put a few cans of food into a donation box for the food pantry.

But we don’t want to do anything that might get our hands dirty. We don’t want to associate with people who don’t look like us or speak the same language we speak. We really don’t want to see the poor or associate with them.

Do you remember what Jesus said in Matthew’s gospel?

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or see you thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?

The king will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

– Matthew 25:35-40

Our world is filled with hate and entitlement. We proclaim a faith we don’t live. We quote scripture but refuse to live it out in our own lives.

Don’t tell me what the Bible says. Show me. Get your hands dirty. Make a sacrifice for someone you don’t know who can never repay you. Do the right thing even when the wrong thing would be far easier and less costly.

Following Jesus was never meant to be easy. Stop thinking that it is.

August 1, 2024

                                              Love or Hate?

If I speak in tongues of human beings and of angels but I don’t have love, I’m a clanging gong or a clashing cymbal.

– 1 Corinthians 13:1

The Apostle Paul wrote these words to a church that was fighting within itself. He was trying to teach fellow believers how to get along with each other.

We’re so familiar with this passage because it is frequently used at weddings. That was never Paul’s intention. I suppose it’s easier to think of this as being a wedding instruction rather than an admonition directed at the infighting we see today in our churches and in our country.

Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

It seems these days that I am always blocking things on social media that I don’t want to see from people I don’t even know. It breaks my heart that friends I care about, people I believe are good people, think it’s okay to share untruths and hate-filled diatribes against those who disagree with them.

Our country has turned on itself. We are so busy pointing fingers at each other, demanding that someone else turn back to God, that we’ve missed our own sins. We have failed to take the plank out of our own eyes.

Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. – 1 Corinthians 13:6

What is truth? Truly. Do you know? Have you read the Bible for yourself? Have you spent time in prayer asking and listening? Or are you merely passing on what someone else has told you? Are you holding on to hate and justifying yourself by proclaiming that it’s your opinion?

As people of God we are called to love, regardless of whether we agree with someone or not. We are called to be kind, even when someone else isn’t. We are called to be humble, not rude or self-seeking. Do others know of your faith by your words and actions?

Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love – but the greatest of these is love.

– 1 Corinthians 13:13

January 18, 2022

 

Love

 

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

– Romans 12:18

 

To get a vaccine or not? To accept the presidential election results or not? To welcome illegal immigrants or not? The list never ends. We are a country at odds within itself.

 

God’s people have been ugly and vocal. They have reigned down criticism and aligned themselves with one side or another. Everyone knows what is best. Just ask them. Except they are all so focused on themselves that it is impossible to truly see God in them.

 

Ah, there is the true problem. Seeing God. It’s impossible to truly see Him when you are hurling angry insults at people who disagree with you. It’s impossible to truly hear God when your ugly words are aimed to tear apart anyone who dares disagree with you. It’s impossible to love like Jesus when your eyes are filled with hatred toward anyone who disagrees with you.

 

We have become a nation filled with arrogant people who have lost sight of God. Oh, we shout His name. We quote scripture and serve diligently. But our hearts? Well, our hearts don’t even know His name.

 

The saddest thing for me in the last couple of years hasn’t been Covid. It hasn’t been election results or isolation or illegal immigrants. The saddest thing has been listening to people I truly believed were God’s people ranting at those who don’t share their viewpoints. The ugliness is appalling. And for what end?

 

It’s possible to share different views without turning hateful and mean. It’s possible to live under the banner of love and service and still disagree. If you’ve got ugliness in your heart, I wonder if you truly know Him. It becomes less about your opinion and more about your arrogant belief that you are like God.

 

Hatred and God cannot exist in the same heart. Why? Because God is love. (1 John 4)

May 26, 2021

 

Love People

 

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

– 1 John 4:7-8

 

We are a nation at war with ourselves, so busy pointing fingers that we fail to see the sin in our own hearts. Do you call yourself a Christian? Do you love Jesus? Truly? Then where is all that hate coming from?

 

I am so tired of hearing people claim to “love everyone” because that’s what the Bible says to do. They’ll tell you that quick. They are just empty words that don’t influence their own hearts nor anyone else’s heart.

 

“It’s just my opinion.” Hollow words offered up when a Christian is criticized for being so ugly. Evil hearts don’t come from Jesus. Hatred has no part in loving Him.

 

We have forgotten that it’s okay to like people who are different from us. God made each of us to be unique. Different colors, different nationalities, different opinions. Why do we have such a difficult time accepting people just the way that God created them?

 

And why do we think God needs our help to judge and condemn them, using the Bible as a weapon to hurt and to harm instead of to teach and heal. Let me remind us all that the Pharisees were the religious elite but they were so busy being “right” that they missed the Savior standing directly in front of them.

 

Love people. It’s not always easy but it’s what we are called to do.

November 20, 2018

What Does Your Life Say?

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. – Psalm 1:1-2

The discussion turned to what others see in us as we go about our daily lives. We are Christians, people who claim a faith that lives inside of us and directs our steps. But it is our actions, not our words, that preach what we truly believe.

John Wesley, who founded the Methodist denomination, lived his faith. He died a pauper because he gave away almost everything he earned. He wasn’t always the most well-liked person because he refused to go along with the establishment. When he saw a need, he attempted to find a solution. People don’t like change, especially when change might cost them something.

We see this same thing happening in our world today. I’m not really sure how one political party gained the reputation for being the “Christian” party and the other gained the reputation as being for those who don’t believe. As I’ve said before, neither political party gets it all right or all wrong when it comes to following God’s Word.

It doesn’t stop us from pointing fingers and getting angry at others for believing differently that we do. I’ve watched people I once thought were Christians who lived their faith fall into ugliness that comes when people are more concerned with their wallets than with their hearts.

I get it. I do. No one wants to work hard so that someone who refuses to do anything can partake in material blessings. But that’s where we take the wrong fork in the road. We aren’t called to fix or judge others. We are called to love, to work hard as though we are working for God, and to be generous with our time, talents and possessions. But, like the belligerent 2-year-old who refuses to share, we throw a tantrum and just say no.

I have a once sweet friend who has allowed herself to get so caught up in national politics that she has now become someone I don’t even know. It’s not about differing political views. I could care less about that. It’s that she is all about hate and possessions, condemning what she doesn’t know or understand, and spreading lies because it “sounds right.” I’m not the only one who sees it. A few have called her on it publicly. But she can’t see the change in herself as she pushes forward with her “opinions.”

People don’t see Jesus when they hear her or read her words. They aren’t drawn to Him because there’s no kindness or love, no mercy or compassion, in anything she says or does. She goes through the motions but her heart has hardened. It’s really sad.

We were never called to be like the world. Jesus repeatedly told us how to be different: love your enemies, do good to those who seek to harm you, share everything, put God before self or even your families. But those words of our Savior make us uncomfortable. We want to pick and choose which to follow. It was never meant to be that way. We were never meant to be that way.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. – Psalm 139:23-24

I wonder how many of us pray this verse? I wonder how uncomfortable the response from God might be? Are we willing to hear Him? Are we willing to look deep into our hearts and make the changes necessary to truly live like Jesus?

Many people know Jesus because of what they see in us. What type of message are we sending? What type of lessons are we teaching? Make sure your actions line up with the faith you claim. It won’t be comfortable but it surely will be worth it in the end.

November 9, 2018

Yet Another Mass Shooting

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

– Ephesians 4:29-32

Again?! The news blared with yet another mass shooting, this one in Thousand Oaks, California, which is considered one of the safest cities in America. Not anymore, I guess. Or, maybe, it’s a wakeup call that a mass shooting can happen anywhere.

It’s too early to try and figure out why. We can call someone deranged. We can try to isolate the incident. But the hard truth is that it happens way too often, in far too many places, for us not to consider a broader cause.

Some will decry the lack of God in our schools and government. Surely, that’s part of the overall problem. But perhaps the greatest problem is the lack of God in our homes and in our hearts.

How can we continue to view church as an option and expect our children to know that God is first in all things? How can we complain about tithing and expect our children to understand that all good things come from God? And how can we make excuses and blame others for everything bad that happens and expect our children to take responsibility for their own choices?

We are the problem. Us. Me and you. We are the ones who need to stop finger pointing and look in the mirror. We need to fix ourselves first. We need to love God and love others. But we can’t because we’re too busy condemning them for not being godly when the reality is we aren’t godly either.

Harsh, truthful words in a political climate that says we need to get rid of anyone who disagrees with us. We view people on the other side of an issue as the enemy. We take disagreements personally. We spread lies that fuel hatred and, when someone calls us on it, we defend our “opinions” and unfriend them on Facebook. Problem solved? Not even close. And what’s even worse? We use Jesus’ name to do it.

Every time you condemn someone, others see that cross swinging from a chain around your neck. But that condemnation doesn’t come from Jesus. Our Savior welcomed the poor, the outcast, the immigrant. He fought for those we condemn as unworthy.

We justify our actions as necessary to protect ourselves. But if God is truly our protector, why do we need to do anything other than love people? One young man at the shooting Wednesday talked about helping others in the midst of the chaos and blood and fear. “I know where I’m going,” he said. He was prepared to die if he could save even one of his friends. Would we be willing to do the same?

I don’t know your story. I don’t know your heart. But I do know this: The healing of our nation must begin with showing God’s love to everyone. It must begin with tempering our words so that we are kind and compassionate, even in the heat of disagreements. We must change our own attitudes and remember it’s not us against them but rather all of us on a journey home to be with Jesus.

Each day we either draw people toward the light of Christ or we push them away toward despair and hatred and a life separated from our Savior. Remember your true purpose and live accordingly.

October 28, 2018

God Is Love

Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.

-- Jeremiah 5:21

The hatred and distrust of those who do not know Jesus, well, that’s almost expected. It’s about priorities and love. God is love. That’s what the Bible tells us. It also tells us we can’t hate others who are also made in the image of God and claim to love Him.

And, yet, we somehow believe that message doesn’t really apply to us. We “pray” for people to come to see things the way we do. We focus on small bits of the Bible, things we agree with and things that God condemned that also make us uncomfortable, while ignoring the passages that condemn what we hold dear.

We turn people away from Jesus. We polarize others because we are polarized. We have no mercy, kindness or compassion for anyone who looks, acts or, indeed, is different from us. And when we are called out for it, we blame the other political party or another religion, claiming that we are only defending God.

That’s what makes me angriest. This isn’t about God. It’s about self-interest. Let’s get real here folks. God doesn’t need us to defend Him. What God requires of us is that we love others, at times sacrificially, so that they can come to know Jesus through us.

“There are none so blind as those who will not see. The most deluded people are those who choose to ignore what they already know.” Our pastor shared this quote today. It’s believed to have originated in 1546 with John Heywood. We’ve seen parts of it in other places as well, including in a popular song by Ray Stevens. Maybe the prophet Jeremiah was the first author because it’s strikingly similar to what he said.

We still don’t get it. We refuse to see what the Bible clearly says? Why do we claim a faith we don’t want to live?

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

– Mark 10:51-52

We don’t want to be healed. We don’t want to see. We don’t want to change. We’re comfortable where we are, living what we know, conforming to what feels good.

Our pastor said today that we are most blind in our hearts. And we are.

Last week someone sent pipe bombs to people who disagree with President Trump. That’s horrific. What’s worse? Those who took to social media and other outlets to try and turn it around and blame the other political party. Really? This isn’t about politics. It’s about hate. Why hasn’t everyone condemned this?

Yesterday 11 people died in a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Another hate attack on people who were only worshipping God. When is it going to stop? When are we going to change?

We Christians are part of the problem. How many times a day do you condemn or criticize someone who thinks or behaves differently than you do? How many times a day do you rant over what others might be taking from you? How many times a day do you blame the other party (whichever party that might be) for your problems?

God is love. Look in the mirror. If you are spreading hate and discord, you don’t have Jesus inside of you. Do you want to fix what’s wrong with our country? Start loving others with words and actions. In kindness and humility, serve others. Reach out to those who are different. Live like Jesus.

September 28, 2018

Where Is the Love?

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35

The venom spews from both sides. The comments are hateful, ugly, mean. I don’t care what side you’re on when it comes to the Kavanaugh-Ford issue, if you’re wearing the Christian label and spewing hate, you’re in the wrong.

Do not use Jesus to defend your words and actions. He was all about love. He was able to correct people and turn people toward God without condemning or shaming them. The only time Jesus got mad was at the Pharisees, the rule makers who were so busy thinking highly of themselves that they missed the Messiah.

Are you missing Jesus in all of this? Are you forgetting that when you claim a faith you don’t show you turn people away from Him? Are you remembering that it’s not about you?

Yes. It’s your opinion. You’re entitled to it. But don’t pull Jesus into the fray when you’re more concerned with your “values” than His. Jesus doesn’t need you to defend Him. What He demands of all of us is that we love people where they are.

Hate and love cannot co-exist in the same heart. It is possible to disagree with someone – even in the political arena – and not hate them. It is possible to give your viewpoint without using hatred as a weapon. If you can’t do that, then you should shut up because you’re making Jesus look bad.

This isn’t about taking sides. Sure. I have my viewpoint but it isn’t about what I think. God knows the truth and it will eventually come out. How do I know that? The light always exposes the darkness. (Ephesians 5:13; John 3:20)

Also, do not tell me or anyone else to pray for your opinion of the situation. Just don’t. It’s not about your will. It’s about God’s will. Do not presume to know what His will really is. That’s your pride showing and is nothing from Him. You don’t know what the best outcome is and neither do I. Pray for everyone and ask that God’s will be done.

I am so very sad about the anger and ugliness that permeate our country today. Don’t point fingers at others. Get that plank out of your own eye. And don’t throw a stone at someone else and use that as an excuse for your own behavior or the behavior of someone else. God doesn’t need your help, or mine, to deal with someone else’s sin. You take care of your own sin and He’ll take care of the sins of others.

Jesus told us to love people. If you can’t do that, if you can’t disagree with someone without spreading hate, then maybe what you really need is a heart check. Are you sure you have Jesus living inside of you? Are you positive your words come from the Holy Spirit? Are you without a doubt living for God?

Hate and God cannot co-exist. Before you share your “opinion” again, consider what you are sharing.

January 29, 2018

Measure Your Words With Care

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. – Ephesians 4:29

I live in a football crazy state. Friends joke that the first question they were asked when they moved here was “Which church do you belong to?” The second was “Which team do you cheer for?”

There is at times a bitter divide, causing some to get carried away with their allegiance. The hatred can seem so real at times.

One friend, a dear man whom I’ve known for years, supports “his” team with a vengeance. I have grown increasingly appalled at the comments he makes about the opposing team. It’s not enough to support “his” team. He must constantly bash the other team and speak awful things about that team’s supporters.

And when he is done, he turns around and posts things like “God is good!” Excuse me? I’m sure he has no idea how he trashes his own witness for Jesus by the hatred he shares in other posts.

Isn’t that the case for all of us? We’ve become so accustomed to simply saying whatever we think or feel in the moment. Facebook provides a wonderful outlet for bashing without any of the face-to-face consequences we might get if we spoke those words in an actual conversation.

It’s my opinion you might be saying right now. Absolutely. You have the right to express your opinion in any nonviolent way you choose. But it’s important to realize that your words have consequences, whether you feel them or not.

The same is true of the political comments made by so many. I have come so close to unfriending people because of their nastiness. I don’t care if someone disagrees with my views. So what? It’s the ugliness and hatred that bothers me, especially when that person is also claiming to follow Jesus.

Jesus talked so much about love. Why do we so easily forget that? Why don’t we care that words can never be recovered, never be erased, never be forgotten?

I’ve tried to measure my Facebook words with care. I share scripture and biblical commentary. And I share a great many lost and found dog posts. What I intentionally try not to share is hatred. Don’t we have enough of that in our world?

I know some of my friends would claim to be promoting God’s agenda. They view themselves as followers standing up to those who would oppose “our” values. Except “our” values rarely line up with the Bible. Why are we so blind to that?

We have become a know-it-all people who rarely seek God’s wisdom. We pray for His blessings on our own agendas. We spew hatred in His name, rather than loving people and promoting what is good and right.

The next time you decide to share something, whether it’s your own words or another post, think about how it will be received by nonbelievers or those struggling with their faith. Does it build people up? Will it benefit God’s kingdom? Are the words spoken in love? If the answer is no, then don’t post it.

When in doubt, remember this: “Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.” Well said, William J. Toms. Well said.

April 17, 2016

Watch Your Mouth At Church

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. -- Romans 12:9-13

One of the most gossip-ridden places you can ever go is -- are you ready for this -- a church. One of the most hateful places you can ever go is -- you guessed it -- a church. One of the most polarizing places you can ever go is a church.

How sad is that?

We tell ourselves we aren’t really gossiping, we’re just giving a prayer request. Really? Sounds a lot like gossip.

What’s the difference? Did you give information you didn’t need to share? Did you criticize the person? Did you talk about finances or personal situations? Or did you simply say Jane is going through a divorce and needs our prayers -- and leave it there?

We don’t like to think of churches -- of Christians -- as being hateful. They are. Don’t think so? Take a listen next time someone “different” comes in the door.

“Did you see how she was dressed? That’s certainly not appropriate for church.” Or, “Can’t they control their children? I’d paddle them. That would make them mind.” Then there’s “I can’t believe they were asking for money for a mission trip. Sounds more like a vacation to me. If they want to do something good, they can start right here.”

Then there are the people who play people off of each other. They like to start a fuss. They are always critical and always have a better way of doing things. They go around badmouthing individuals they disagree with, all for the “good” of the church. Of course.

One of the saddest things ever is when a church splits because its members can’t work out their differences. That’s not about Christ and it’s certainly not from the Bible. It’s about pride and ego. No, sorry, it’s not about principles either. That’s just an excuse to get your own way.

We are called to love one another. We are to see the good in others and be patient when they fall short of our expectations, just as they are to be patient with us when we fall short of their expectations.

Watch your mouth at church today and every day. Be wise with your words, be kind and welcoming. Remember that Jesus hears every word. Be sure you’re saying something you would want Him to hear.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Our Actions Should Reflect God’s Love

“You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him -- you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.” -- Acts 7:51-53

Stephen spoke truth but it wasn’t the truth that the religious leaders of his day wanted to hear. So they stoned him to death. We know this story well. We remember that Saul, whom we know mostly as Paul, was there that day.

What we don’t think about, what we don’t consider, is that we could possibly be those religious leaders. We get so caught up in being right, in telling everyone exactly what the Bible says and means, that we lose sight of the love and compassion that marked Jesus’ ministry. We forget that maybe, just maybe, we don’t know as much as we think we do.

We’ve been inundated lately with news reports about a fast-food franchise owner and his religious views. Political views, too, I guess. Because he opposes homosexuals and favors a family unit of one man, one woman, and children. That is his right.

Gay rights activists threatened to boycott and out came the Christian supporters. They chose a day and turned out in force to support the restaurants. How nice. But I wonder if anyone, on either side, stopped to think about Jesus.

Because this isn’t about Jesus. It isn’t. Jesus is about love and this is about hate. Jesus is about compassion and this is about rejection. Jesus welcomed the outcasts and the sinners. These people are condemning and judging the very people that Jesus loves.

It all comes back to the Old Testament. I’ve read what it says. I know the words, just as I know what it says about food and slaves and stoning adulterers. What I don’t understand is why we, today’s Christians, are so quick to pick and choose which words we’ll apply today and which we’ll excuse as not being relevant in today’s world.

I don’t have any answers when it comes to what God thinks about homosexuality. But I do know that God loves all His children. Every single one of them. And He expects us to love them too. I also know that, contrary to what many would prefer to believe, homosexuality isn’t a “choice” for most. It is simply who they are as people that God fearfully and wonderfully made.

I’m a huge advocate of the First Amendment. I strongly support anyone’s right to express his/her views on any subject. But hatred has no place in God’s house. Before we rush out to support an issue, we should consider how Jesus would react -- then act in love, not hate.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Let God Handle It

Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

-- Leviticus 19:17-18

It is normal to want desperately to lash out when someone hurts you. It is normal to want to hurt the people who hurt you first. It is normal to want revenge. What is normal, though, isn’t what we’re called to do. That’s the hard part.

We are to forgive. We are to move on. We are to be gracious and kind, compassionate even, in the midst of trials that sometimes know no end. Difficult? Yes. But necessary -- for us.

It is too easy to let ourselves be drawn into the hardness of the fight. We become like the people we so dislike in a vain effort to give them what we think they deserve. We forget to let God handle it. We don’t trust that He’ll do it as well as we believe we can. We don’t believe that God will stand firm and deliver a harsh rebuke to the person who harmed us. We don’t trust that He won’t show them compassion -- like He has shown us for our own transgressions.

Oops. Because we are all sinners. Sometimes in action. Sometimes in word. Sometimes in thought. Sometimes all at the same time. And God has shown us compassion. He sent His Son to die for us. Such love is beyond anything we can comprehend. Yet we’re called to understand and respond accordingly.

It isn’t easy. Sometimes forgiveness is a daily choice to give it to God. To pray for those who hurt you. To replace evil thoughts with scripture.

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

-- Luke 6:27

We always hurt ourselves most when we harbor hatred and ill-feelings. We become consumed with the person who hurt us rather than focus our lives on what is right and good. Our feelings become a burden that is so heavy we can’t move forward. We can’t heal. We are mired in an never-ending cycle that will slowly destroy us.

Unless we give it all to Jesus. Unless we place our burden at the altar. Unless we trust that God will take care of it in His own time and way.

Let it go. Day after day, if need be. But give it to God and let it go.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Greet Enemies With God's Love

"But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," -- Matthew 5:44

I thought I'd misunderstood. Surely, the reporter wasn't talking about a preacher vowing to burn the koran. That is reminiscent of cross burning by the KKK on the lawns of blacks or their supporters. That was done in the name of God, too.

It's a horrible thing. Burning the koran is all about hate. Hate comes from Satan, not God. Sure, the God revealed in the Old Testament is sometimes an angry God. Sometimes we are punished for our sins -- though never to the degree we deserve. But God doesn't hate. He loves. And that is what He has called us to do.

What upsets me most is that people hear this and see "christians" as hateful and disrespectful of the beliefs of others. No one wants to learn about christianity. They aren't interested in meeting Jesus. They think they know what He stands for. They see christians as narrow-minded people intent on destroying anyone who has beliefs different from their own. That isn't Jesus at all but they can't see His face because of the hatred that stands in the way.

Jesus invited everyone to His altar. He reached out to all people, including tax collectors, prostitutes and Samarians. His love shown through and many came to follow Him and welcome Him into their hearts. We, too, should reach out in love to all those around us, including Muslims and those who have no real beliefs at all. It's what Jesus would do.