Our society is rapidly moving towards a cultural divide of
those who consider themselves to be “accepting,” and those who refer to
themselves as “morally upright.” I don’t know about the rest of you, but I, for
one, have grown tired of the petty arguments and persistent accusations on
either side. While issues of homosexuality, abortion, and sexism have made
their way into daily conversation, it has become clear to me that those
insisting upon shifting the traditional belief system to adopt a new, tolerant
perspective are actually making a very important statement that we must not
ignore.
As issues of morality often play a role in these arguments,
I am not suggesting a sacrifice of what is considered biblically “upright.”
Rather, I think it’s time to stop getting so consumed with pointing fingers of
what is and isn’t right, and start to look at the real issue of why people are
so adamant about “accepting them.” Are
they just pushing a political agenda, or are they seeking to be loved? Furthermore,
it’s time to revisit how Jesus would, and DID act in these situations.
I love John 4 (Go check this out if you’re not
familiar @ https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+4&version=NIV
) because Jesus so clearly demonstrates how to approach and interact with those
whom we are quick to consider to be social “outcasts” or “tactless” in nature.
In this recount, Jesus approaches a Samaritan woman who was known for having
five different husbands (and now living with another man, unmarried.)
Culturally, a casual conversation with her was already crossing the line. He
takes it to a whole new level, however, with his response to her questioning of
why He is even talking to her. He
states, If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are
speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water. (John 4:10.) There are two very important things to note in this statement.
1.) He is acknowledging her value. By saying “If only you knew the gift God has
for you, He’s noting that God cares deeply about her and has a gift
specifically for her. 2.) Jesus is (tastefully) offering her forgiveness.
What I have learned from Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan
woman (which is extremely relevant today) is that the attitude of pointing
fingers and criticizing society is ineffective. Furthermore, it’s not
Christ-like. Rather, we must choose to love people first. Love them despite
moral “red flags,” and remember that Jesus loved you despite your faults. Secondly,
getting caught up on the issue of acceptance needs to come to an end. While
we should by no means promote things that contradict God’s word, we need to
learn to see others on the same level as we see ourselves. We all fall short of
the glory when it comes down to it, and Jesus loves each of us the same. In fact, He loved each of us so much that He
died for us to have the opportunity of being forgiven. It is my hope that these
are things we never lose sight of amidst a seemingly divided culture.
Until next time,
Tamara
