There are radical Islamists. They behead, bomb, and torture in the name of Allah. Their actions and propaganda deface the Islamic religion thus falsifying the character of most Muslims who work, shop, and live among us. These are the extremists and they do not accurately represent the majority.
Likewise, there are radical Christians. They rashly accuse, threaten, and judge in the name of Jesus. Their actions and political opinions deface the grace-centered religion thus falsifying the character and convictions of most Christians who work, shop, and live among us. These are the extremists and they do not accurately represent the majority.
Facebook Friend.... I hear you. The painful reality of the refusal of displaced refugees to enter this country by our new president is heartbreaking, confusing, and frustrating. I've seen the brutal pictures. I've read the gut-wrenching stories. I see the intense gravity of this situation. And you're right, the reaction by some Christians of this new policy is not consistent with the gospel they preach.
You say, "Aren't Christians supposed to be like Jesus? Didn't He love the displaced, foreigner, and outcast? Wasn't He a refugee Himself?"
You're right. Those of us who claim Jesus as Lord and Savior seek to be like Him. He loved the tax collectors, Pharisees, and prostitutes. He loved us when we were strangers to God's kingdom. We were once foreigners seeking refuge from the warfare and tyrannical rule of sin in our lives, running for the arms of a God who protects, comforts, and loves. And yes, our Redeemer was a refugee Himself right after He was born as His parents fled to Egypt for safety from a blood-thirsty ruler.
Jesus knows first-hand the refugee crisis. He lived it. He loved others in the midst of it.
And we as Christians should also know first-hand the refugee crisis. We have lived it. We were loved in the midst of it.
Please hear me when I explain that the biting comments, harsh rhetoric, and judgmental tone you have experienced by some Christians is not the majority.
I am deeply sorry for the picture these people have painted for you of my Savior.
If we were truly attempting to be like Christ in every way then our actions and opinions towards this current political crisis should be a reflection of Jesus' love, grace, and acceptance.
I ask that you, friend, would offer forgiveness and grace to those whose actions are not consistent with the message they preach. Like all of us, they too have shortcomings. Their differing opinion from yours does not make them Hitler. It simply makes them different from you. They have chosen to focus on the security and protection of our country, though it seems with lack of compassion. We cannot blame them for our perceptions. Instead, we can continue to hold to our opinion with humility as we recognize that God-fearing Christians may disagree.
