Wouldn't it be nice if we all spent more time loving and less time hating? Wouldn't it be nice if all religions prayed nicely with each other?
Kindness, compassion, servanthood, unconditional love, mercy, grace. That's what Christ taught His followers to share with the world.
Let's pass those things on.
So true. I hope that one day we, as a group of human beings, can be able to agree to disagree peaceably and to love each other. Thanks for the reminder, Susan! :)
ReplyDeleteIf only.....if we could 'unplug' ourselves from all the yelling in the media...if we could take the time to speak to those around us.. in line, waiting for the bus, the light at the corner....if we would treat others as we would like to be treated....we just might learn we not that different from each other.
ReplyDeleteLu C
Yes and yes.
ReplyDeleteLu C, you hit upon one key in this. Getting to know people as neighbors makes the whole "love your neighbor as yourself" command so much easier. It is harder to hate when you know individuals, when your kids get on the bus with their kids.
ReplyDeleteWhen people are "other," however, it's easy to demonize them and proof that the attitude of insularity that some Christian churches cultivate is counter-productive to the mission Jesus gave the church.
If we love everyone, God takes care of the rest.
Well said. When "Christians" act in such a way that makes others happy that they are not Christians, then I think we've completely missed the point of Jesus' teachings. There used to be a song "They'll know we're Christians by our love". It should be revived as a motto, in my humble opinion.
ReplyDeleteAmen to all of the above!
ReplyDeleteBravo! (Standing up and applauding)
ReplyDeleteYour graphic reminds me of the "Coexist" bumper I've seen around for a few years. A wonderful sentiment I wish we could all remember.
ReplyDeletehttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/Coexist-bumpersticker.jpg
Ghandi, "Oh, I don't reject Christ. I love Christ. It's just that so many of you Christians are so unlike Christ."
ReplyDelete'nuff said!
Susan, I agree that with all people, regardless of their faith (or lack of), at all times and in all circumstances, Christians are indeed called by Christ to show the unconditional love of which you write. There is no excuse for such hate, and all people have the right to pray as they will. And at the same time, as a Christian I am obligated to share, at every opportunity, the words of Jesus: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
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