What about tolerance?

Good morning my sisters-

I read a Facebook post by a distant family member and it really disturbed me.  I've been thinking about it for the last couple of days.  It's obvious to me that she thinks Christ is a joke and that Christians are horrible people. Her anger and her argument started because someone said the laws come from the Bible.  She was furious and her post definitely illustrated her immense anger.

Then the comments came about tolerance of other religions and that Christians should keep their opinions to themselves.  But I think what really struck a chord for me is when she said the same person that said this didn't want to deal with foster kids and others that might need help.  Wow! Are we all that far from compassion or is it that one person who believes in the Bible but doesn't do everything right reflects who Christ is?  People are watching our words and our actions.  We are being categorized as persecutors of other religions and people groups and our actions do matter.

I find it hard to believe that everyone has a measuring stick and when a Christian talks they are measured, hung and ridiculed because of what they believe.  However, that is the case.  I also believe that just because we are Christians we must be cautious with our words and not judge others.  The Bible is clear, hate the sin but love the sinner.  I think sometimes this is confused, especially in today's world.

So what did I do about this post, which was loving the Hindu's, Buddhists, and hating the Christians?  I did nothing except I began to pray.  I prayed that her eyes would be open to seeing who Christ was and for finding grace instead of judgement.  I also prayed that Christians would come into her life that would show her the God I know and tell her the good news.  I did not post back with a comment that could have been misinterpreted or even rejected.  I sat still and prayed because anyone that is that passionate against Christ needs Him.  Whenever you run into someone like this, don't steer clear but show them the compassion Christ showed you when you were down, making mistakes and running from everything Him.  People need Him and the more they turn to false religions the more they need Him.  A golden calf did not save the Israelites, God did.  All the prophets in the Bible and those of other religions didn't save us, Jesus did.  In the end times, people will wander away from the truth, don't judge them, pray for them.  You may have someone that is Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist or Jewish in your friend or work group, don't deny them Christ's love, give it freely.  I have always believed that I am a sinner so it's easy for me not to judge.  All I have to do is run to the mirror to see the retch I am.  I'm glad for that because when I run into someone with a different view point; I listen and then I pray for them.

I believe that Christ is the only way to Heaven.  I believe He died on a cross and that He saved me from Hell.  I believe that I am not perfect, that I sin and that when I sin; I must confess.  I believe that there is a veil that blinds people but I also believe that when we seek Him, we will find Him.  My beliefs come from my experiences and diving into the truth which is the Bible.  I believe in these things so much I write a blog that anyone can see.  It bears my name and it bears my Saviors.  Again, my proclamation is not to judge but to love.  However, if confronted I will proclaim that I love Jesus and that I'm proud to be part of His army.  I won't hide behind false gods just to be safe.  I will say to all of you that we must pray for those that don't believe what we do and that we must be aware that our actions are being watched.  So be careful with your tongue but be in constant prayer for those that think Christ is a joke.  He's not.  He is our Savior and worthy of our praise.  Love today my sisters and show that Christ is real, He is true and He is worth the persecution.

He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord. (Psalm 146:6-10 NIV)

He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. (Luke 18:38-43 NIV)