November 10, 2013:

W.W.J.D.?

         “Christ left us an example, so that we should follow in his steps . . .  When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the One who judges justly.”  I Peter 2:21-23 Sel.

      I have a confession to make:  more often than I can easily admit, I seeth inside when I hear someone make a vicious, cruel, bigoted, false statement and claim Biblical or Christian support for what they say. I want to tell them in no uncertain terms that I find their attitude unBiblical and sub-Christian. Of course, over the years I have allowed myself to respond this way occasionally but, of course, it did not have any helpful impact on them and it left me feeling that I had behaved badly. By meeting fire with fire nothing was changed and, in fact, may have made things worse.

      It is very difficult for those of us who are Liberal, Progressive Christians when we are confronted by the kinds of prejudice and lies spoken by some Conservative Christian pastors and people during this past week’s City Council hearing on whether or not the city should extend equal benefits to the same-sex partners of city employees. Of course, as citizens and Christians we have every right - indeed, every duty - to express clearly what we feel to be just, but it seems to me that the way we express ourselves is as important as what we advocate.

      When we are dealing with those whose beliefs and practices are very different than our own, we ought to be civil and gracious. If we resort to the same methods as those we oppose, we have done serious damage to our Christian credibility.

      Jesus reminded his followers that it takes no great effort to love those who are just like ourselves. It can take real courage to show love and forgiveness to those who have offended us. For me, that is one of the true tests of Christian faith. Of course, Jesus said it better:  “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

      I’ll try to remember that the next time I get the urge to boil over.

Love,
Dave