Peace, Love, and Mirrors

http://www.mjkimpan.com/what-i-learned-at-gay-pride/

This post will make a lot of people unhappy. But something dawned on me this evening while I lay in bed and checked my news feed.

but i say to you, love your enemies,
and pray for those who persecute you

I have been unhappy with the Christians surrounding me this week. Growing up, I was taught over and over again how Christ was sent to this Earth to die for my sins. To save a worthless sinner like me.

And then I watch people who have taught me this point fingers and pass judgement on those who they consider sinners. 

Matthew 7:3 (NIV)

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"

James 2:10 (NIV) 

For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

Romans 3:23 (NIV)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

We were not sent to this Earth to pass judgement on to others. We were sent here to spread the word of God. God shows endless love in the Bible and so many Christians are not showing love this week. 

And for me, this isn't just about gay rights. It's about the racial problems in the south, it's about the countless laws being passed that I don't agree with but slip under the radar because the government has the world overturned over one law. It's about the way our government is being run. Period. End of story. It's the way people accept the word of CNN and Fox News without checking their facts. It's about forgetting that this country was founded on the freedom of religion. Freedom from a government that tries to control how it's people think, only everyone is trying to turn our government into the monster we ran from in the very beginning.

I have the freedom to praise my Lord in this country and spread His love to everyone around me. I believe God wants His light to shine through me.

I was very troubled by something someone prayed about this week. I felt like I was being told to fight the law just passed regardless of what that makes me look like as a Christian.

I'm sorry I don't agree with you. I do care what I look like as a Christian. I do care if I'm being perceived as a judge mental hypocrite. I sin. I have watched people I love the most sin against me in ways I feel have damaged me for my entire life. I have forgiven them. And I will continue to use my compassion and move forward in this world with it. I refuse to raise my son in such a judgemental environment. 

I'm not being persecuted by liberals. I'm being persecuted by the people who are supposed to be my brothers and sisters in Christ. They will persecute me when they read this, they will judge me, some will probably question my beliefs.

All because I choose to spread love instead of judgement. And isn't that sad? I'm not saying to go against your beliefs. We were all given the right to vote, and the right to voice our opinions. But we are all told not to pass judgement on others. So be careful how you word your opinion, friend. 

Next time you point your finger, make sure there is a mirror in front of you first. We have all sinned. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. All of us.