Let’s Love Each Other
We keep our distance from different groups too often throughout the world. Again, I am reminded of my childhood.
When I was a little boy, I belonged to a wonderful Jewish youth group. We would participate in fun activities such as skiing and attending professional basketball games. However, after the event, the leaders always wanted to bring things back to education.
One night after a New Jersey Nets loss in the 1980’s, the supervisor asked us if New York was truly a melting pot. He wanted us to determine if there were just many groups staying amongst themselves or working together.
Unfortunately, at the time in New York, groups stayed amongst themselves. Over three decades later and having lived in different parts of the country, it’s the same everywhere.
I think this is truly sad and counter to Jesus’ wishes. Just as Jesus hung out with the tax collector, the adulterer, and other sinners, he wants us to do the same.
He wants us to take care of each other. Because of Jesus, I love the crossdressers, the prostitutes, and everyone in between.
I think once again many pastors are taking passages from The New Testament too literal.
I reference 2 Corinthians 6:14 2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV – The Temple of the Living God – Do not – Bible Gateway. “Do not be unequally yokes with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
Jesus is not suggesting we become crossdressers, but to love them anyway. It’s that simple. He is not saying to adapt their values, but to work together.
Ignored Due to My Love of Jesus
I am at a crossroads now as I have been banished and ignored by many Jews since professing my love for Christianity. Now, there are still wonderful people who accept me for who I am. But the silence I have received from many is heartbreaking. I don’t think anyone’s God would wish that for anyone.
My loving mother always understood this. Before the Passover Seder every year, she would read the most beautiful quote I’ve ever heard. It comes from the late poet Phyllis McGinley Sticks and stones are hard on bones. Aimed with angry art,… (libquotes.com)
“Sticks and stones are hard on bones.
Aimed with angry art,
Words can sting like anything.
But silence breaks the heart.”
My mother, like me, has always preferred discussing differences between close friends rather than just ignoring them. When we speak to one another, we can hash out our differences with love. But as McGinley points out, when a loved one won’t even acknowledge us, it kills.
No matter what religion you follow, we can all do better. I’m not asking my Jewish friends to drop everything and follow me, just to accept our differences. I’m hurting so much.
I have referenced that we are more alike than different in earlier posts. Challenging Stereotypes: My Journey As A Jewish Christian | Evan Wechman (patheos.com)
One of my favorite passages is John 13:35John 13:35 ESV – By this all people will know that you – Bible Gateway
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
We don’t have to wash everyone’s feet, but as the song says, “try to love one another right now.” Lyrics for Get Together by The Youngbloods – Songfacts
I hope my sensitivity does not turn anyone against me. However, something happened this past week that was beautiful.
Jesus Wants Our Optimism
I met an Israeli survivor of the October 7th attack, who said even though many in the world had turned against her people, she was optimistic. She has been traveling the United States telling people about that horrible evening.
There has been some resistance, however, from people of different faiths. But she also witnessed change. She met a young woman who was taught from an early age by her parents that Jews were the devil’s children. Her mom would always remind her the Holocaust never happened.
However, when the young woman listened to the frightening tale of survival on October 7th, she dropped her guard, and the two women hugged each other.
The Israeli survivor said this great moment has given her the inspiration to keep speaking to different communities, even hostile ones, to share truth and love.
Even though she and I have different faiths, I admire how she is changing hearts. I am asking my Jewish brothers and sisters to show me the same love.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 NIV – Blessed are the peacemakers, for they – Bible Gateway
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