One of my valuable friends stated that there are those people in the world who will hate us simply for being Christian because it essentially exposes their love of sin. (I don't mean to over simplify... just summarizing a profound state of the human race that we all suffer from, except for the grace of God.) And, that such feelings on their part are indeed not of our doing. That is very true, but, I felt that maybe the intent of the blog wasn't clear. so, if you please... I'd like to elaborate. :)
I understand your sentiments on this. Please allow me to clarify my thoughts. I agree completely that there are those who will feel accused by Christians simply by our presence. And, that is ultimately between them and God. My blog was more about those who parade as Christians, but do not show love, but contempt for non Christians. There are 3 kids I personally know (2 of them in InterSession) that were asked to leave a church because of their dress, for example. Mind you, these kids weren't showing too much skin, or being obscene in any way. They just wore too much black, had too many piercings, and didn't look "wholesome". The other girl, only 15, was asked to leave not because of anything she did, but, because her mother was involved in a sexual affair. Stories like this make me burn in anger at the injustice, and the misrepresentation of Jesus Christ. My only consolation is knowing that God will take care of those who've been abused by "Christians", and some of them I get to scoop up into my group. And, let me tell you... the ones who've rejected these kids have simply thrown away what is of immeasurable value. These kids are the true gems of the world. When they come to Christ, they are trustworthy and faithful witnesses. They are full of grace and love and mercy. And, I'm blessed to be a part of their lives. Mr. Mega church missed out..., but the Lord caught them in His hand, and placed them at my feet.
I've battled over and over again the stigma that the church has here in the south. There are many who would come to Christ if they realized how deep, how wide, and how penetrating His love is for them. Who doesn't want to be loved? To be accepted for who you are? To be forgiven and shown mercy when you mess up? Who doesn't want peace that surpasses understanding? Like you said, so many seek these things in drugs, easy sex, etc. And, there is short term fulfillment from these things. But, Jesus is a well of Living Water.. that, when fully experienced, is like comparing the best wine to muddy water when held up to the things of this world.
Time and time again I've labored for years with different kids to build trust, in hopes of convincing them that Jesus Himself is often misunderstood because of the actions of people in churches. It remains the frustration of my ministry. Perhaps I encounter it more often because of the type of ministry it is. But, is this not what the call is? To reach out to the least of these? To go to the highways and byways to fill the banquet hall? To visit the sick, and those in prison? To be the friend of "sinners"? Where did we lose this idea? Who re-wrote the script that we should seek out those who are great tithers, who appear to have great families, who look the part? If I hear one more person speak of "healthy" churches as those who've got their s**t together, so to speak, I'm going to lose it. Did Jesus call us to be a healthy church, or to go get the lost sheep, the "sick" sheep, and bring them in? Are we to force a person who is eaten up with cancer (sin) to stand up straight, put on appearances, draw in some eyebrows, and act right, for crying out loud? Or, are we to love and nurture that person... not condemning them for the fact that they have cancer... for that is the condition of us all left to our own devices. Only Jesus can make a person whole. But, that is what happens far too often in "Christian" churches. Not by all, mind you, but the cruelty of one can easily outweigh the kind intent of others.
I believe there are going to be many surprises in heaven. There will be those that we'll be surprised are there, and those that we're surprised are not. And, who can search out a man's heart? Only the Lord. The conclusion of the matter is this: to forgive tirelessly, to love mercy, and to love others violently. So, I end my statement in the manner you opened - with the most important commandment. Amen! :) Thank you for allowing my reply. :)