The events of the past few weeks have been…atrocious. What started out with the good news that our states were re-opening was marred by the heinous act of one man masquerading as a police officer. The nation, as a whole, quickly, and rightly, denounced him. It was an amazing moment. For once, our nation was united against the callous and heartless murder of a man. Everyone wanted justice. Everyone wanted him to stand trial for what he did.
And then, that beautiful moment of solidarity was broken.
Anarchists and terrorists stole the moment, and plunged our nation into a country divided. Peaceful protests weren’t enough for them. They have their agenda’s, after all, fueled by people with their own agenda’s, and egged on by the media who’s only concern is ratings and their narrative, these people began a systematic attack on everything and anyone with whom their paths crossed. The lootings, the burned out buildings, the murder of men and women who did nothing wrong, all of it was unnecessary.
WE ALL WANTED JUSTICE.
As much as I hate to say it, as a Christian, I expected it. The world, without Jesus, has nothing to offer but violence, and hatred, and bigotry, and judgment when faced by something so horrible. I expected it from the world, but, my fellow Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I did not expect it from you.
I’ve read your posts on social media, seen the hash tags you’re sharing, the video’s you’re making, and it breaks my heart. I expected the mob to attack people for differing opinions, but Christian’s attacking other Christian’s? I’ve watched as Scriptures are plucked out of context to prove a point, used as a weapon to beat the other person’s opinion down, and if someone refuses to agree with your point of view, you resort to name-calling, curse words and judgment.
Whatever side of the political spectrum you fall on, it doesn’t mean a thing because as Christ followers we are supposed to pledge allegiance to Jesus first. Yes. You can march if you want to. You can post black squares on your Instagram. You can fight against injustice. Vote or don’t vote. Agree or disagree. But what you cannot do is tear each other apart because in Christ, we are one (Galatians 3:28).
The Bible says that “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35)
I’m not seeing a lot of love among His disciples these days. If we, as Christian’s, can’t love each other, then how do we expect to love the world? If we can’t show our Brothers and Sisters in Christ tolerance, patience, acceptance, then how do we become the bridge between this world and Christ? If ‘social justice’ is more important than loving the people of God, then what good is serving Christ?
It was love that sent Jesus to Calvary. It was love that brought us to the cross, and it will be love that will get us through the mess this world has created. We have to stop fighting among ourselves. We have to stop picking sides because there is only one side. It’s time to step off our soapboxes and put the signs down and show the world that Jesus is better than that.