I know that the color of a person's skin is truly only "skin deep." If we truly are not prejudiced and we don't discriminate based on skin color, then we should only judge others on their beliefs, their actions, and their words. We can and should love everyone, but that doesn't mean we have to love everything a person says, thinks, does and stands for.
One time when I was in a state college, the English class I was in was discussing something about treating other people in certain ways. I made a statement to the effect that we could only treat others with love and kindness if we had help from the Holy Spirit. The professor said, "So if someone cut off your leg and beat you with it, you would still treat him with love?" I had to say I couldn't do it unless I had help.
I honestly don't know if I can love everyone. I only know I will need some help to do it. I do know that I can't overlook certain things about people even though I'm supposed to love them. I won't be able to support a person's wrong actions and beliefs even if I try to love or at least like the person. I think as Christians we are to be discerning--separate the person from his problems.
I guess you can judge me on that if you must.
5 comments:
I've heard people say, "I don't notice the color of a person's skin." Liar, liar. Pants on fire! It isn't prejudice to notice the color of someone's skin, it's what you do with the knowledge and how you react. The love we are to have for others is the love that God has for us, not the love we have for our spouse or children. We're to see them as fellow God created human beings. We don't have to like what they do, or approve of it. God certainly loves his created human beings in spite of the things we do. The only think he holds against us is rejecting his Son as our Savior.
Good comment. Thanks. Q
One thing that has informed me tremendously comes from just living all over the country. In Colorado, it is assumed I am Mexican and folks treat me as such. When I lived in Oklahoma, it was assumed I was Native American, and folks treated me as such. Working in DC -ah DC - a truly international city, I've been labeled Iranian, South American, Moroccan, Italian, Spanish, Puerto Rican, etc. The plurality of this region has given me my first chance at just being me, without the identity baggage. It's given me freedom and opened my eyes in ways I am still trying to understand and put into words.
Your assignment - A
Okay, I'll judge you... I believe you are correct in your words (smile). Although love has no color, we definitely see it. Since we all have the same color blood, we're related anyway!
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