letsloveothers

I shared this quote in Wednesday’s post. It resonated both with me and many on social media.

I’ve always been a cheerleader for the underdog. Individuals society has tossed aside or identified as insignificant. The misfits, freaks and out of the box thinkers who don’t know how or refuse to conform to social norms. Individuals whose tough exterior is the armor they put on each day to protect their fragile and damaged heart. Hearts battered and bruised by the evil life has flung at them.

What’s even sadder is when these people work up the courage to walk inside a church. They frequently are ignored or rejected. Instead of a group of people from diverse backgrounds drawn together by supernatural unity, many churches are a breeding ground for discrimination and exclusion. Unless you look and act like us, membership is denied.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus addressed this very issue. In the Jewish community, Samaritans were considered inferior. Any kind of interaction— business or social was frowned upon and could significantly damage your standing within the community. You can imagine how offended many Jews were when they heard the parable.

“A certain man was going from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he fell among robbers who stripped him of his clothes and belongings and beat him and went their way. Unconcernedly leaving him half dead. Now by coincidence a certain priest was going down along that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. A Levite likewise came down to the place and saw him and passed by on the other side of the road.

But a certain Samaritan as he traveled along came down to where he was. And when he saw him he was moved with pity and sympathy for him. And went to him and dressed his wounds. Pouring on them oil and wine. Then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him.

And the next day he took out two denarii— two day’s wages and gave them to the innkeeper saying. ‘Take care of him and whatever more you spend. I myself will repay you when I return.’

Which of these three do you think proved himself a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers? The one who showed pity and mercy to him.”

It was the unbeliever— the Samaritan.

Sadly, this parable illustrates many present day Christians refusal to love their neighbors. Many Christians talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. Christians who exclude loving neighbors whose skin color, language, rituals, values, ancestry, history and customs are different. Resulting in a Church that non-believers distrust because She doesn’t look like Jesus. She doesn’t love all.

Gandhi once said. “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

Come on guys. Let’s make this quote no longer true. Let’s love our neighbors. No ifs, ands or buts!

Luke 10:30-37 Amplified Bible

Thanks for listening to my voice! Feel free to like and share it with your friends.

Have a great day! Rita

Be the VOICE heard amidst the deafening sound of sameness!