I understand this is likely to seem foolish to some
of the people who read it. However, I write this as a challenge to my online friends
who are authentic followers of Jesus. I accept that some people will consider this
post to be foolish and naïve. That’s alright.
The Evil One wants to see division, mistrust, fear,
misunderstanding and hatred among people. He is particularly effective at using
areas of life we typically point to as differences to stir up trouble. Of
course, one of these areas happens to be racial classification.
If you are a follower of Jesus with even a moderate
level of spiritual maturity you know that Jesus does not have a preferred race.
He loves everyone. I do not intend for this to be understood as a meaningless
little Sunday School cliché, I mean this literally and I believe it is
extraordinarily significant: Jesus loves EVERYONE. If you do not believe this then you do not
understand Christianity. One of the most well-known Bible verses begins like
this: “For God so loved THE WORLD that he gave his only Son…” John 3:16
(emphasis mine). The gospel of Jesus Christ
is the good news of salvation for “the world.” That means it is for every
single person who has ever lived.
To my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, our
challenge is to love people the way Jesus loves.
Do not honor the divisions some people try to emphasize:
Love people, all people, the way Jesus loves.
Do not give in to fear. Love people, all people, the
way Jesus loves.
Do not allow misunderstandings to create a permanent
breakdown in communication. Love people,
all people, the way Jesus loves.
Do not live with a perpetual mistrust of others.
Love people, all people, the way Jesus loves.
Do not cultivate feelings of hatred toward others.
Love people, all people, the way Jesus loves.
We are called to a life of love, even if we are not
loved in return. If you are a Christian and you are thinking, “Why would I do
this? Why would I love people with this kind of reckless abandon?”
The answer is: We love like this because Jesus loved
us when we had done nothing to merit His love. What I’m writing here may seem impossible,
but it is not. The love of Jesus can overcome. It can shine like a bright light
even in a dark world.
It is my desire to love everyone I encounter with
the genuine love of God. I pray that is your desire, too.
“We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims
to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does
not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom
they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must
also love their brother and sister.” 1 John 4:19-21
2 comments:
Well said Dan. I heard another Preacher make this statement that is very appropriate at this time:
"We need to look at others, not through our white or black or brown eyes, but through GOD"S eyes"!!
That's a good way of putting it. Thanks for the comment! Blessings, Dan.
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