On the occasion, there have been religious groups at my campus "spreading the word of God." I generally do not think of it as a bad thing, depending on how one goes about it. I myself am a firm believer that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins and that one day he will come again. I will share my beliefs with anyone who would listen, but I would share more of what I believe in: God's love.

The word "love" is used in the NIV Bible 551 times! "For God so loved the world," he sent his own son to die for us! For God loved me so that he sacrificed his own son. Wow, it's crazy to believe that his love for us is so strong. If we are loved so much, wouldn't it make sense to spread this message? A message of love and mercy, forgiveness and patience? As Christians, we are called to spread the word of God, but we are also to share Christ's love with all people; as it says in 1 John 4:7-8, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."

When these groups come to campus, they hold signs that read messages such as "God hates fags" and "Prepare to meet thy God." They preach hate and preach on the wrath of God. They've called students out, calling women whores and saying equally negative things to the men.

Casting judgment is not up to us, "judge not lest ye be judged" (Matthew 7:1). It is our job to love and to share love. It hurts my heart, and I can honestly say that if I were on the verge of deciding to give my life over to God and I heard shouting of God's wrath and his hatred toward anyone, the condemnation of those who profess to follow him and nothing of his everlasting love, grace, and mercy, I can't say I'd still make that decision. Instead I was told about his love for me, and I chose to form a relationship with him.

For anyone and everyone who wants to share the love of Christ with others, do just that. Share by words and by actions. It can literally be easy as smiling at someone down the hall.

God bless.