I was dealing with a difficult situation last week, and I felt as if I were handling it all completely wrong. Placing blame and getting angry over little things that seem insignificant now. I thought about all the hate that is spewed on the news, social media, and even face-to-face conversations. It is no wonder a child throws horrible words at a teacher or a fellow student, or even themselves. Where has love gone?
I know there are some who take pleasure in exposing someone else’s sin. They treat the Ten Commandments as if they were something to oppress others with. But, they forget about the New Commandment Jesus gave. John 13:34 Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (NIV). Jesus did not accept the sin of a person, but I don’t believe he ever condemned a sinner either. He never told the prostitute what a horrible woman she was for adultery. He did not point out the sin of those he dined with and called them names. Jesus showed love to the sinner. He modeled the way a Christ follower was to act.
Where has Jesus’s love gone in this world? Why do we have people with signs screaming at a transgender person how filthy their lifestyle is? When I got in trouble for doing something wrong, and my mom would yell at me . . . It did not make me regret what I did . . . Only that I got caught. Think of how much more impact you might have if you invite that person to a church outing or even coffee. Listen when they explain why they chose the life they did. Tell them about your struggles with sin, because we all have struggled. Love the heart that they have. You do not have to go to a pride parade or kiss a person of the same sex. You can invite them to church and get to know them as a person instead of a label. Once the door is opened . . . They may ask why you are so different than others they have met. That’s when you say . . . Jesus.