Typically, I liked to frame my Faithful Friday posts around scripture, since this is after all an exploration of my Christian faith.
But sometimes those devotionals, bible memorizations, and questions calling for book chapter verse lead us to miss the bigger picture that Christ is after.
Sometimes we need someone outside of scripture to remind us what being a Christian is really all about.
This quote is courtesy of a New York Times op-ed sent to me by my Aunt. The article focused on the questionable characterization of certain divisive, wrath-driven, hate-filled politicians as Christians. Whether you agree with the concept that there is such as thing as a liberal Christian (which surely is another topic for another day), you surely cannot argue with this provocative quote from Cory Booker, mayor of Newark.
“Before you speak to me about your religion, first show it to me in how you treat other people. Before you tell me how much you love your God, show me in how much you love all His children.”
This quote is particularly poignant given our current atmosphere, where everyday there’s a new controversy strewn across social media about the latest gay marriage victory or defeat.
I am not here to convince you to believe in gay marriage or not. It’s not my place.
But I am here to remind you that when you quote scripture and refer to yourself as a Christian you represent all Christians. When you leave vile, hateful messages on social media about your opposition to the “new liberal moral takeover”, you are representing Christ.
Do you really want Christ, who came to bring love and light, to be associated with that?
Are we a religion that is defined by love or by hate?
Because the Christ I know always responds with love.
Follow our newlywed journey through love, laughter and happily ever after. I'm Mr. Adam's best friend, a wedding fanatic, a health food nut, a yoga fiend, an arts & crafts-ers, a DIY-er, a wannabe world traveller, a pinterest addict and a Jesus lover. I hope you enjoy our wedding/newlywed/travel/food/healthy living/crafting adventures.
I think this is something I personally struggle with as well. Reading the Bible is one thing; it’s a good thing. But the experiences with those people, like the ones you read about in the Bible is was makes your perspective complete. It helps you to see who God truly is and how we as Christians are obligated to treat those people. Christ set the perfect example of how to treat those society casts out as “unfit” or “sinners.” It’s not up to us to judge, it’s up to us to love.
Thank you for sharing this. You said it so well, and I am happy to know that I am not the only one that feels this way.
Me too
Thanks for dropping by!