“But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.” (Matthew 12:36 BSB)
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:6 NKJV)
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” (James 1:19-20 NLT)
PLEASE STOP IT!
I read this in a post by someone that I love and respect…
…”Christian hatred has taken over the United States of America.” (the author was saying that he believes that the hatred for Christians has taken over)
As much as I love the person who wrote this (and have no desire to hurt our relationship), since it was a public statement, I am compelled to respond publically.
There have been, still are, and always will be those who hate Christians. But, “taken over the United States.” is a statement that is not supported by fact even at this time of national outrage. The public outpouring of love and support for the most current shooting victim undermines this statement.
There will also always be those who hate Muslims, Jews, Atheists, Republicans, Democrats, differing races, differing genders, etc. However, even at this highly emotional moment when all of us are devastated, fired up, broken hearted, confused, afraid, sickened, and beyond ready for this hatred to end, the vast majority of people in America are not acting out in fits of hatred aimed at Christians.
Even one single taking of a life for any reason is too many! It is unacceptable! We should be outraged! We need to allow that outrage to move us toward finding solutions, not toward making blanket statements that label an entire nation, and risk further dividing us. We need to speak our minds. The time for silence has passed. However, more than ever, we need to think seriously about how we say what we have to say.
My personal experience and perspective as a fairly outspoken “Christian” (in my videos, blogs, books, and personal life) is that the vast majority of Americans do not hate me (or Christians in general). As a purposely visible Christian, some love me, some hate me, some tolerate me, and most simply live their life and let me live mine.
IT IS TIME TO STOP MAKING OVERREACHING BLANKET STATEMENTS THAT SERVE NO POSITIVE PURPOSE, CREATE FEAR, AND POTENTIALLY PERPETUATE DIVISION.
Enough said in…
Eric’s Life Lesson # 458: PLEASE STOP IT!