Today’s lesson continues on the theme of the Others from yesterday.

I have been thinking more and more about “the Others” and how we treat them. I do not agree with anyone on everything. Even in faith, religion, and God, we have different interpretations of the Holy Word and have unique relationships with God. As I often do, I wanted to one of many short interactions with my daughter about “the Others”. We were watching Supergirl, which is a great show, and [SPOILER ALERT] Supergirl’s adopted sister is lesbian or at least bi-sexual, getting engaged to a woman. Cece looked at me confused and said “Daddy, I don’t get it”. I explained to her that some boys like girls, some girls like boys, some boys like boys, and some girls like girls. She was confused as the bible only has marriage being between a man and a woman. I asked her what the bible said, and she said boys marry girls. I asked her, “Cece, do we treat people differently or badly because they like girls instead of boys or they believe in something different than what the Bible says?” She said “Of course not daddy. God loves everyone no matter what”.

There you have it. You don’t have to like someone or even agree with their personal choices, but it doesn’t give us the right to treat them badly, ignore them, or not show God’s love through us.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:43 – 48

“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” – Leviticus 19:18

There you have it. Love your neighbor. Who is your neighbor? Everyone is. (Luke 10:25-37) Everyone is a sinner and no sin is greater than another. When we belittle, talk down, undercut, or undermine “the Others” we only do a disservice to ourselves. We don’t need to love the sin, but we love our brothers and sisters. Let’s spread His Word and be good people. Let’s not use the Word of the name of the Lord to hurt.

I do not agree with many behaviors people exhibit. I don’t agree with many policies of people. But I love them as people and will do anything in my power to listen, console, and help them as humans, and as a follower of Christ.

How will you show love for “the Others”?

#39of365 #FaithBites #Faith Journey