by Jim Gordon
I get so tired of seeing arguing and disagreeing among fellow christians. We certainly do not see a lot of unity and agreement. We are so divided and exclusive in the christian world today.
Jesus said his followers were to be known for their love for one another. Yet today it is hard to find brothers and sisters in Christ being loving and kind.
Fortunately, this is not the case in every situation, but it seems a lot more common than it should be.
Not only is it hard to find acceptance toward those who are outside the christian faith, but it is hard to find true love and acceptance among brethren of different denominations within the faith.
If we go to the same church building and accept the same doctrines, you will usually find love and acceptance. I remember when I was in the church system the first thing I would ask someone was where they went to church. If they went to an organization I liked and agreed with, I would pretty much instantly like the person. If they went to a place that was different in their way of worship or interpretation of the bible, then I would immediately be on guard and almost dismiss the thought of getting to know them. This seems to be a pretty common occurrence.
It is sad that we put walls up with people who think differently. It is sad that we have made such importance out of buildings, doctrines, interpretations and bible versions that we forget God loves each of us. We are to love God and love others no matter what they believe, especially among those who are his followers.
Loving and accepting people does not mean we are always in agreement and that we always get along. Of course, there will be disagreements and differences of opinions, probably even arguments and hurt feelings at times, but that is life. We can disagree and even argue at times and still respect and accept the other person.
By the power of the Spirit within us, we can accept, respect and be loving toward others. Not only our brothers and sisters in Christ, but those who are not of the christian faith. I think we can disagree and have different opinions and still act in a respectful and accepting way toward our fellow human beings.
Jesus said that they will know we are his disciples by the love we have for one another. Love draws people, but condemnation, judgment and unloving behavior drives them away. Many times, when I say we are to love and accept others I get a lot of comments about being wrong because as christians we are to point out the sins and mistakes of others. They say our responsibility is to make sure others know what they are doing is wrong….at least by our way of interpretation.
I personally do not think we are to act in such judgmental ways. We are told to love God and love others. As far as I am concerned the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin where conviction is needed. That is between the Spirit and each individual as to what they do and how they respond. We are only to love others.
God is love and love draws people. Rather than judge, condemn, exclude and argue, get out there among humanity and let the love of God flow out of you by the power of the Spirit. There is a whole world of hurting people, both believers and non-believers who can use the encouragement of an accepting person who cares and shows the love of God.
Done with Religion 
Thank you Rusty for the link, and thanks for the kinds words.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your thoughtful article, and the tone of acceptance and respect. Sometimes words have “loaded” meaning, and if I may, here is my attempt to unpack “respect.” https://moreenigma.wordpress.com/2015/04/15/r-e-s-p-e-c-t/
Thanks again for your continual address for Christlike love.
LikeLike
Personally I think we treat it as with anyone else, we love them with a godly love. We do not have to agree or go along with someone, yet we can be loving toward them even in the disagreement. We do not have to try to force our view on them either. Thanks for commenting.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree and understand much of what you have to say.
I have one question I would like to ask.
When God’s Word instructs us how to handle false teachers, and to separate ourselves from those that do not walk according to His Word, how are we to treat that truth?
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow Jem, I wish I could broadcast your reply to the world. It is sad you, or anyone is forced to leave for any reason. Christians are to be known for sharing the love of Jesus to everyone, yet so many make it conditional. So glad God is not like that. Thanks for your comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So spot on, Jim. I wish I could broadcast your message to everyone in the world. It needs saying and it needs hearing.
I have to say on reflection that I did not come easily to thinking this way. I was locked with blinkers into my religion and hotly defending it and judging others. It was only when I was forced to leave when I came out as gay that I began to remove the blinkers and realize how blind I was. It’s the one thing I can be truly grateful for being gay – that it forced me out of religion and into appreciating the unconditional love of Jesus and the Father in a new way. I also am firmly of the belief that Jesus, Creator of the Universe, has such a great love for ALL His people regardless of background, religious beliefs, nationalities, gender identities, race, etc, etc. There’s is nothing anyone of us can do that will turn off His love, nor really anything we can do to turn on His love. It is already there for each one, calling to them, touching them, caring for and about them, grieving with them, hurting with them, feeling each of our griefs and pains with us. And we are but vessels of His to allow His love to flow through us out to that hurting world of people.
Thank you for your inspiration.
LikeLiked by 1 person