They will know we are Christians by our love?

Yesterday I found out that two of my friends were verbally assaulted because of who they are and who they love. I’m not going to repeat the substance of that assault; those who are members of the LGBTQIA+ communities know all too well the kinds of words used in those experiences. The rest of us are familiar with far too many news stories about the verbal attacks from “Christians.”

While I am a follower of Jesus, I struggle to find much in common with those who precipitate these verbal assaults. I sometimes wonder if we have read the same Bible…or know the same Jesus.

While the Hebrew scriptures have some harsh statements and commandments—as well as some guidance and commandments with promise—Jesus often said something to the effect of “Yes, that is what the Law says. But I tell you…” and then he would refocus the commandment in a new way.

He spent a lot of time with those who were marginalized and outcast—and yet he did not verbally attack them. He showed them a new way…showed them they were loved by God.

When he was asked what the most important commandment was, he replied that it was to love God with all one’s being. He didn’t stop there; according to Matthew, he went on to say that the second most important commandment was to love our fellow human beings as though they were us—and that all the law and the prophets hung on this commandment of love.

How do verbal attacks and assaults show love?

Those of us who call ourselves “Christian” are challenged to see all human beings as created in the image of God…even those we disagree with. Do we? Can we?

“Christian” began as a negative description for those who followed Jesus. His followers proudly claimed it—and it became a descriptor of a lifestyle of caring and love. Today, though, it’s sadly becoming a negative description again, often claimed by those who see any other perspective than theirs as some kind of heresy and something (and often someone) to be attacked.

There’s a song that says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” For far too many of our brothers and sisters, it might be more accurate if it said, “They will know we are Christians by our hate” toward them.

Jesus came in love. He showed love toward all he came in contact with. He did not condemn. For those of us who claim to be his followers, we are called to follow his example.

Will people know we are Christians by our love? or will they turn away from the One who came to show God’s love for all because of verbal attacks like those experienced by my friends?