by Michael Donahoe
We often hear that there should be unity among fellow Christians, yet how often does that seem to really happen? Do you get tired of seeing such disagreement among fellow Christians? Unfortunately, we do not see a lot of unity and agreement 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.
I am not just talking about being accepting and kind 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, we 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 them as someone to get to know. This seems to be a pretty common occurrence.
It is sad that we put such 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 no matter what we believe. We are to love God and love others just as God does no matter what they believe, especially among those who are also followers of Jesus.
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 and belief. 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. It seems that when I say we are to love and accept others, I am often told that I am wrong because as Christians we are to point out the sins and mistakes of others. They say it is our responsibility to make sure others know what they are doing wrong with the purpose of making them change their behavior.
I personally do not think we are to be the sin police. We are not told to do such things. 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. Love draws people, not judgment and condemnation. God is love. Rather than judge, condemn, separate 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 Christian and non-Christian who can use the encouragement of an accepting person who cares and shows the love of God.
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Michael Donahoe was added as a writer for Done with Religion as his views fit perfectly with those that are shared on this site. He and his wife have been outside the walls of religion for fifteen years. He enjoys writing about his experiences and thoughts, and he wants to encourage others who are going through the religious deconstruction process. He also writes on Substack at https://deconstructiontrail.substack.com/ and https://personalmeanderings.substack.com/
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