For me it’s easy to love the marginalized, but more difficult to love those who oppress, hate, ridicule--yet I am called to love them, too. Last night we went to a gathering that I didn’t really want to attend because there were many there who are judgmental, gossipy, and racist. But what I found was an opportunity to kindly refute malicious comments, an opportunity to engage, and an opportunity to learn more about some of these people and why they have so much negativity in their souls.
Thank you for this discussion, it’s so important. It is so convicting (but in the best way). If one claims to be part of the Kingdom of God, we are invited to bring about restoration in partnership with the Holy Spirit ... yet how often do we justify our inaction? I know I do. We say we love but hold out on that love for those different from us, with values different from us. We avoid, ignore, silently despise... even as we go about as “good” but as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:2... if I have not love, I have nothing.
Jan 19, 2023·edited Jan 19, 2023Liked by S.E. Reid
Oh, my -- deeply convicting. How many people have been kept from approaching the Savior because of our harsh and abrasive ways? We as followers of Christ are not immune to that stubborn human need to always be right, combined with the nagging fear that to embrace the "other" is somehow to betray the tribe. Yet Jesus always embraced the other -- not with an approving endorsement of their (and our) bad choices, but with loving acceptance of their inherent worth as people. As tough a line as that is to walk in these contentious times, it does seem clear from Scripture that indifference -- tempting though it is -- is not an option.
For me it’s easy to love the marginalized, but more difficult to love those who oppress, hate, ridicule--yet I am called to love them, too. Last night we went to a gathering that I didn’t really want to attend because there were many there who are judgmental, gossipy, and racist. But what I found was an opportunity to kindly refute malicious comments, an opportunity to engage, and an opportunity to learn more about some of these people and why they have so much negativity in their souls.
Thank you for this discussion, it’s so important. It is so convicting (but in the best way). If one claims to be part of the Kingdom of God, we are invited to bring about restoration in partnership with the Holy Spirit ... yet how often do we justify our inaction? I know I do. We say we love but hold out on that love for those different from us, with values different from us. We avoid, ignore, silently despise... even as we go about as “good” but as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:2... if I have not love, I have nothing.
I feel this so deeply. I struggle with those who claim to follow Jesus but constantly appear to contradict my faith.
Oh, my -- deeply convicting. How many people have been kept from approaching the Savior because of our harsh and abrasive ways? We as followers of Christ are not immune to that stubborn human need to always be right, combined with the nagging fear that to embrace the "other" is somehow to betray the tribe. Yet Jesus always embraced the other -- not with an approving endorsement of their (and our) bad choices, but with loving acceptance of their inherent worth as people. As tough a line as that is to walk in these contentious times, it does seem clear from Scripture that indifference -- tempting though it is -- is not an option.