20 Those who say, “I love God” and hate their brothers or sisters are liars. After all, those who don’t love their brothers or sisters whom they have seen can hardly love God whom they have not seen! 21 This commandment we have from him: Those who claim to love God ought to love their brother and sister also.
Reflection
How many ways can this be said and ignored by those who are using the Christianity to justify hate? It’s so simple. Treat others as you wish to be treated. If you love God, you must also love your brothers and sisters. Love thy neighbor.
As angry as I am at anyone who claims to be a Christian and remains loyal to the current administration, its masked thugs, billionaire puppeteers, and pawnish politicians… I am being hypocritical. If I want to remain true to these words, I need to reflect and correct my own actions.
Even masked thugs are brothers and sisters. It’s not my job to condemn them. It’s not my job to deliver their consequences. It’s my job to offer as much love and grace as I can while maintaining my sanity. How can I do that?
We all bleed red. The stains on the cross were red. Christ is in each and every one of us. It’s easy to say and remember as I sit safely on my couch typing away, but how can I get past my own fears, my own opinions and judgements when I’m out in the wild?
I’ve been trying a new thing. When I see someone I reflexively fear or judge, I take a deep breath, and look at their feet, then I look at their hands. Finally, I look at their face and I seek Christ. Our hands are uniquely shaped, stained, scarred, or decorated by our individual experiences. Some experiences I couldn’t possibly imagine. Our hands are uniformly human, we use them to carry food, exchange currency, lift heavy items, wipe tears from a cheek or sweat from a brow. Some experiences I’ve survived as well. We all bleed red.
When I remember this, I feel a little less fear, a little more compassion, and honestly a little relief from my shoulders.
by Ashley Bowler
For Pondering and Prayer
Where do I notice fear or anger hardening into judgment, and how might Christ be inviting me to pause there rather than react?
What does loving my brother or sister look like without excusing harm, denying truth, or abandoning my own well-being?
When I consciously seek Christ in another person—especially someone I resist—what shifts in my body, my thoughts, or my capacity for compassion?
Prayer: God of love, When fear or anger rises, slow our breath and soften our hearts. Help us see Christ in every face we encounter. Teach us to love with courage, truth, and grace, remembering we all belong to You. Amen.
