I've been reading information on "Hate Crimes Legislation" and the pros and cons against it. Actually, I've been reading about a lot of supposedly "controversial" issues. (Research for some stories I am writing) I am constantly saddened by my Christian brothers and sisters who speak out on things without proper research and knowledge. I am especially disheartened when those who profess their Christianity instantly spew hatred and anger from their lips which further adds fuel to the enemy's fire. You do not have to be an intellectual to respond or discuss issues of any magnitude; but you do need to speak as what you are... an ambassador of Christ. If you profess, "I am a Christian", please do the rest of us a favor and act/speak like one. PLEASE.
Jesus, as our example, only spoke the truth. He had thousands follow Him. The "big-wigs" of the church were amazed at his knowledge. (After all, he was merely the son of a carpenter!) I think it's important for Christians to be bold in their faith and their opinions; but boldness, in this case, does not translate to loud and offensive. I read comments in blogs all the time by people who belittle and demean Christians and their faith by intimating they are ignorant, uneducated, bigoted, and hateful. Then a professed "Christian" gets his/her nose bent out of joint and begins the rant.... and totally justifies the accusations.
Jesus LISTENED to people. He knew their hearts, he understood their circumstances, he advised them to stop sinning and heed the word of the Father. We may not know our adversary's hearts, but we can still listen, see where people are coming from. Then ask yourself, what is YOUR motive? To change the person's mind? Their heart? Or is it to put down or humiliate? Are you trying to retaliate for the sake of your own ego? I have caught myself in the throes of righteous anger when I have realized my own motivation was to draw blood from my enemy..... unfortunately, I lost sight of the true enemy. The person who lashes out against me and my faith is not my enemy.
The enemy of all Christians is one and the same. The one who longs to steal, kill, and destroy; the father of lies; Satan himself. The person pouring out his venom upon me is the one for whom I need to pray! I have seen evidence of people getting angry when someone says, "I'll pray for you", in these instances. If they think God and praying to Him is fruitless, why do they care? It's like someone telling me they will place a curse on me or use a voodoo doll on me. I do not believe such things can harm me, so why should I care?
My request is this: be civil! People have differing opinions. It's expected. There is no need to attack or belittle on either side. AND if someone does act in such a manner toward you, remember the quote by Abraham Lincoln, "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." Brothers and sisters in Christ, remember who you are: A child of the King. Act accordingly.
In Love.
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