Hate Mongers – Is This What We’re Known For?
I’ve often heard that Christian’s are sometimes the ones who spew the most hate at others.
They are the ones with signs in front of abortion clinics belittling the scared pregnant women. Screaming and shouting words of unlove when Christ’s teachings are the opposite.
They are the ones poking fun of the sinners of the world, picking out which sins God hates more. When Christ said if you commit one sin, you commit them all.
They are the people who hold the stones, aiming at their prime target to set them as an example of what not to do. When Christ commands us to lay down our stones because no one is faultless.
I think you know what I am talking about. You’ve seen them in the news, on the cover of magazines, and on talk shows. Always eager to point a finger at the downcast of the world.
Well, I saw some of this first hand. And it shocked me. It shocked me even more since it was directed at me. A Christian.
A month ago I posted an advertisement on Facebook for my book, The Untold Story of the Darkest Days. I wanted to spread the message of this book to help people during the Easter season. To help them reflect and ponder the events surrounding Christ’s death.
I got a few positive comments which was encouraging, but sprinkled among the positive, kind words were posts not so flattering. Posts degrading the book (which they didn’t read). Posts condemning the book (which they didn’t read). Posts trying to prove me wrong by my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
It shocked me to get these hate posts since my book is a Christian book, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Judas betrayed Jesus. The Jewish priests wanted Christ dead. So, if someone perfect can get hated on, why should my life be above Christ’s?
As I’m writing this, I am a little happy that these haters found my ad. Because maybe after posting their negative posts on my feed, it caused them to not look at someone else’s post that would have riled them to type an unkind post that could not be unread.
I can overlook these hate mongers because, Christ warned us about them. I can forgive them, because Christ can forgive them.
But it saddens me that nonbelievers also have to overlook these hate mongers. It saddens me that sometimes people picture Christians as bigots more than loving, as hypocrites more than compassionate, as rude more than kind.
In a world where actions and words need to align to show a reflection of Christ, sadly, our image looks more like a disfigured Picasso painting than a beautifully, detailed Rembrandt’s.
May we never grow tired in showing Christ’s love to this world, even if it doesn’t reciprocate the same affection. Because at the end of the day, man’s applause and approval aren’t what we should be yearning for.
So, where do you stand? Holding a sign or an outstretched hand?
One is beneficial to the Gospel…the other…is not the Gospel message at all. No matter what verse you paint.
Peace
