Typically, I liked to frame my Faithful Friday posts around scripture, since this is after all an exploration of my Christian faith.
But sometimes those devotionals, bible memorizations, and questions calling for book chapter verse lead us to miss the bigger picture that Christ is after.
Sometimes we need someone outside of scripture to remind us what being a Christian is really all about.
This quote is courtesy of a New York Times op-ed sent to me by my Aunt. The article focused on the questionable characterization of certain divisive, wrath-driven, hate-filled politicians as Christians. Whether you agree with the concept that there is such as thing as a liberal Christian (which surely is another topic for another day), you surely cannot argue with this provocative quote from Cory Booker, mayor of Newark.
“Before you speak to me about your religion, first show it to me in how you treat other people. Before you tell me how much you love your God, show me in how much you love all His children.”
This quote is particularly poignant given our current atmosphere, where everyday there’s a new controversy strewn across social media about the latest gay marriage victory or defeat.
I am not here to convince you to believe in gay marriage or not. It’s not my place.
But I am here to remind you that when you quote scripture and refer to yourself as a Christian you represent all Christians. When you leave vile, hateful messages on social media about your opposition to the “new liberal moral takeover”, you are representing Christ.
Do you really want Christ, who came to bring love and light, to be associated with that?
Are we a religion that is defined by love or by hate?
Because the Christ I know always responds with love.
