I used to ask myself how it was that we could fight so much over small differences in doctrine. How it was that in a faith built on grace, love and redemption, such hatred and hurt could ensue. I heard a saying once that said if Christians could act as selflessly as their Christ, the entire of India would bow down and worship Him. Whether it’s India or another country is not so much what stood out to me, but more that Christianity must indeed be sick if very few people see Christians acting like their Christ.
“Dear God, please save me from your followers” is one I’ve heard far too often as well
.
When I look around, I see so many trying to help in their own ways. Even on CF the worst disagreements often seem to stem from both parties doing what they believe is right. I see the members saying and doing what they believe others need to hear. Conciliators raising the topics they believe need to be discussed. Moderators working for a vision they believe in.
So where did we go so wrong? Did we learn not to trust others because we might get hurt? Were we taught that we should stand for what we believe in at the cost of all else…even if it means not worrying about listening to others?
We’ve all been hurt by a careless word here or somebody acting in a way they thought was right. Call me a cynic, but the acts of loving, of forgiving and of respecting can hurt. They make us vulnerable and give the other party power to use as they wish. Yet I’m still to meet one Christian who can tell me that the Christian faith keeps us from trials and tribulations. We know this life can hurt and we’re called to love and forgive and respect just the same. Not only that, but when we’re hurt, we’re asked to start the process of forgiveness and love again. I know its cliché, but when emotions are high, love and respect isn’t the first thing I think of. It’s not even the second or third thing to be honest. Yet it’s something that I think we need to aim for.
Can we do it though? Can we get to know our family and treat them as we would like to be treated – as human beings who are worthy of each other’s time? Can we trust one another and love despite our imperfections?
Can we at least try?
“Dear God, please save me from your followers” is one I’ve heard far too often as well
.When I look around, I see so many trying to help in their own ways. Even on CF the worst disagreements often seem to stem from both parties doing what they believe is right. I see the members saying and doing what they believe others need to hear. Conciliators raising the topics they believe need to be discussed. Moderators working for a vision they believe in.
So where did we go so wrong? Did we learn not to trust others because we might get hurt? Were we taught that we should stand for what we believe in at the cost of all else…even if it means not worrying about listening to others?
We’ve all been hurt by a careless word here or somebody acting in a way they thought was right. Call me a cynic, but the acts of loving, of forgiving and of respecting can hurt. They make us vulnerable and give the other party power to use as they wish. Yet I’m still to meet one Christian who can tell me that the Christian faith keeps us from trials and tribulations. We know this life can hurt and we’re called to love and forgive and respect just the same. Not only that, but when we’re hurt, we’re asked to start the process of forgiveness and love again. I know its cliché, but when emotions are high, love and respect isn’t the first thing I think of. It’s not even the second or third thing to be honest. Yet it’s something that I think we need to aim for.
Can we do it though? Can we get to know our family and treat them as we would like to be treated – as human beings who are worthy of each other’s time? Can we trust one another and love despite our imperfections?
Can we at least try?
