Throughout my life as a Christian I have worn many hats. I have been in your face, passive, ashamedly judgmental, and I'm sure I have stupidly said the wrong thing many times. I have even worn my faith as a burden. I have struggled to handle this incredible and powerful gift.
On this road I have also met many kinds of people. Some Christian, some atheist, some agnostic and so on. What I have come to find is disappointing and eye opening. Some of the most loving people I know are NOT Christians. This is not to discount the loving believers that I do know-they really do exist. I have simply come to find that Christianity does not equal loving. The Lord has recently burdened my heart with this knowledge. 1 Corinthians 13:1 teaches us that "if I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal". Basically, when we don't use our lives to love others we are the equivalent of an annoying noise. I don't know about you, but I don't want my life to make someone want earplugs.
So, who should we love? EVERYONE. Sometimes my husband and I will listen to a sermon and respond with "Veggie Tales Sermon". Maybe we all need a Veggie Tales lesson once in awhile. Matthew 5:46 says "If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?". This is where it gets hard. We must love those who don't love us. We must love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). We must love those who we believe to have wronged us. We must love even in pain and in persecution. If anyone of us claims to be a follower of Christ we must love love love love everyone who comes our way.
So here I am, professed Christian who will be the first to admit that I have NOT always loved the way I should. BUT, I serve a LOVING God who is at work in my heart. My challenge to myself is to love EVERYONE who comes my way. This is first and foremost what I am called to do. It will NOT be easy, but I know I will not be alone...
