Thanks to my sister, I have recently discovered the blog "Single Dad Laughing". Dan Pearce, the blogger, had a post a few weeks back entitled "I'm Christian, unless you're gay." It was a very powerful post about the attitudes we take towards other human beings; not just gays, but drug addicts, alcoholics, homeless, anyone who is different from us. It was also a challenge to really get down to the core of every major religion and love one another. That concept is not simply a Christian idea. It is one that is easily found in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Sadly, it is an idea and practice that we fail at quite frequently.
How often do we simply turn away from the homeless person, or avoid eye contact with the person in tattered clothes? Do we embrace the person with alcohol on their breath or do we turn away in disgust because of the smell? How often do we laugh behind the backs of people who are slower than the rest of us? The fact is that most of us have done it, and probably still do it without even thinking about it. Dan has followed up by posting several responses that he has received from many people. So many of those responses have shown the power of love to transform lives and make a real difference. Daughters welcomed home even though they left the faith of their parents. Drug addicts finding the hope they need because their family has made contact again and decided to support them instead of rejecting them. That is the power of love.
Sure, we can continue to scorn those who are different. We can turn away from the homeless, reject the drug addicts and alcoholics, and hate the gays. Is that what Jesus would have us do? Are we being Christian? The second greatest commandment is to "love your neighbor as yourself." I know that I will fail many times, but it is time to simply love others and let God worry about everything else. Love can change the world for good. Hate never has and never will change the world for good. If you haven't read "I'm Christian, unless you're gay" you really should. Read it and tell me what you think?
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