This blog was going to be about something else but, in light of Russia’s announcement that gays would not be allowed to participate in the Olympic games next year, I am holding off on that one and doing this one instead.
As Christians, many of you may be applauding Russia’s decision. As Christians, that is exactly what we must not do. Why? Because it spreads a message of hate and God is love. Spreading hate in his name is hypocritical. God is not about hate. God is about love.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 KJV
Many wars have been fought in the past in the name of God, but all they did was spread violence and death. No one can be forced to believe in God. They may say they believe to get past the oppression, but that doesn’t mean they really believe. What would you do if confronted by someone with a gun in your face, threatening to kill you? Would you agree with them, or would you refuse and die for you faith? Most of you probably say you would, but is that true? If you have never been tested, you may never really know the answer.
Many people would say anything to stay alive. Many more wouldn’t, resulting in war. People don’t like being oppressed. As Christians, we have to ask ourselves “Are we oppressing others?” The answer might surprise you.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” Corinthians 13:1-3 KJV
In later translations, charity becomes love. Love and charity. Can we really have love without charity? And just what is charity? The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary lists, among others, these definitions:
:benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity
:lenient judgment of others
How can showing hate toward a group, any group, possibly be considered charitable? What does the Bible say again?
“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” Corinthians 13:2
But shouldn’t we hate those who do evil? you ask.
“And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31 KJV
So, if the Bible is so clear on this, why are you still hating?
God gave us the freedom to choose. Who are we to deny it to others?
Kate's Christian Musings 