Faithful Sunday Ponderings - The DV Walking Wounded
I love coming across progressive thinkers like Chris! I was taught similarly: meet people where they are, and just “love” them as Jesus would. You don’t have to practice what they think, but to accept their beliefs as their reality and not belittle them or disrespect them. That “love thy neighbor thing”…pretty sure that the Lord meant NO MATTER WHAT…then, when we are empathetic and kind, we are monsters to others for “condoning” what others believe/practice. Um, WHAT on Earth!?! I’m being a good and moral person…pardon? Oh, I’m supposed to hate them and turn them away because they’re different? No, just NO. I’m a humanity “sheep dog”…go with God…over THERE with that hate… Here is what Chris posted on Facebook, that many seem to like to edit. I copied it in its ENTIRETY…well said, sir, well said! <3
What the hell did you expect me to do?
You told me to love my neighbors, to model the life of Jesus. To be kind and considerate, and to stand up for the bullied.
You told me to love people, consider others as more important than myself. “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.” We sang it together, pressing the volume pedal and leaning our hearts into the chorus.
You told me to love my enemies, to even do good to those who wish for bad things. You told me to never “hate” anyone and to always find ways to encourage people.
You told me it’s better to give than receive, to be last instead of first. You told me that money doesn’t bring happiness and can even lead to evil, but taking care of the needs of others brings great joy and life to the soul.
You told me that Jesus looks at what I do for the least-of-these as the true depth of my faith. You told me to focus on my own sin instead of trying to police it in others. You told me to be accepting and forgiving.
I paid attention.
I took every lesson.
And I did what you told me.But now, you call me a libtard. A queer-lover.
You call me “woke.” A backslider.
You call me a heretic. A child of the devil.
You call me a false prophet. A reprobate leading people to gates of hell.
You call me soft. A snowflake. A socialist.What the hell did you expect me to do?
You passed out the “WWJD” bracelets.
I took it to heart.I thought you were serious, apparently not.
We were once friends. But now, the lines have been drawn. You hate nearly all the people I love. You stand against nearly all the things I stand for. I’m trying to see a way forward, but it’s hard when I survey all the hurt, harm, and darkness that comes in the wake of your beliefs and presence.
What the hell did you expect me to do?
I believed it all the way.
I’m still believing it all the way.Which leaves me wondering, what happened to you?
Grace is brave. Be brave.
– Chris Kratzer, Author
Source of post: https://chriskratzer.com/evangelical-christian-what-the-hell-did-you-expect-me-to-do/
To me, this goes for those suffering with mental health, homelessness, those with different sexual orientation/preferences and political beliefs. ALL. OF. IT. I especially love those who try to turn those who don’t attend a formal church service “back to God.” Please, for the love of all that is holy, that is NOT YOUR BUSINESS. Be kind. Treat everyone as a child of God, even if they don’t believe, and be a good human. Their decisions are their own and the Lord God abides and works with each person individually…don’t worry about their character. How you treat people shows A LOT about yours. You can love and care for those you do not agree with. Periodt.
Rant over. Love and light! <3
