Every so often I run into a friend from the past and we give each other updates about our lives. What we have been doing, what mutual friends we have encountered and what they are up to etc. In my update I always include work, family, and church. I recently got in contact with a friend from the past via MySpace. Little background story, a few years ago my friend was telling me about the struggles she was having in her life and that she wanted to know more about this hope I have in Jesus. Our conversation was short because we were at a "reunion" type party and it was too distracting. Fast forward to present day. She revealed to me that she sent me an email about a year ago but I never responded. I don’t remember getting that email but I wouldn’t call her a liar so I must have just missed it.
The part I found disturbing was that she thought the reason I didn’t respond was because I didn’t want people of her type in my life. She said she knows I have a wonderful wife and great children whom I’m raising in the ways of the Lord and because at the time I didn’t know her to be a Christian I would not want to associate myself with her. That wouldn’t make sense because we need more people like her in this world. She is one of the most kind and overall beautiful people you can meet.
So I thought to myself why would she think that way and the answer is, this is the reputation that Christians have built for themselves. This line that many Christians incorrectly draw in the sand to separate themselves from the rest of the world.
Two thoughts came from this experience. The first is Jesus said to be in this world just not of it. He never told us to isolate ourselves from those who don’t believe, he actually teaches and demonstrated the opposite. But the biggest thought that came to mind is this. We Christians are directed to share God’s Love and NOT his judgment.
Judgment is reserved for God and God alone. Only the perfect one can judge. We can love because we are loved and love lives in us. May we stride everyday to reverse this negative view that people have about Christians. May we Love so much, so hard, and so overwhelming that judgment would be found in its proper place, and that place is between the individual and God.
1 comment:
Well put Jonathan. We (the church) are sometimes our own worst enemy but remember Jesus has overcome the world, even that part which still carries over in thought and practice to the Church is defeated and when we find it in us we Repent (change our mind) and Confess it as sin and pick up where we left off.
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