I have been pondering the love of Christ in recent weeks. The love He has for ALL people. If I am to be a light in the darkness... doesn't that mean I should love as Christ loves?
I have noticed how Christians "insulate" themselves from the world. Pass judgment on those who are non-Christians. Condemn them and count the losses. What if Christ did that to us? What if he just decided that none of the non-believers were worth His time, conversation, efforts, love. Where would we be?
We are commanded to love as Christ loved us. Meaning, he loved us before we invited Him into our lives. If we are to do what is commanded, that must include loving and being with those who do not live a Christian life. Didn't Christ Himself talk to adulterers, whore-mongers, liars, and the self-righteous. He led by example. Disciples of Christ did the same. They went out of the church and searched for people they could serve and give God the glory for all of it.
It took many days of studying His word and searching for all that the Bible had to say about loving the non-believers and how we should love and serve them. I believe with all my faith that God would want us to embrace those who do not know Christ and show them His love through our humble friendship and service. I have had many Christians quote the Bible about shunning and removing themselves from the unrighteous. In my study, it seems to me that those passages are referring to believers who are deliberately causing other believers to stumble and fall. Then yes, you should remove yourself from those situations.
But as far as those who have not come to Christ, hurting them with harsh words, attitudes, and judgment just causes more strife and drives them further from Christ. How sad this happens all the time.
If Christ came to you as a homeless, hungry man searching for acceptance and love, would you help him. If someone was physically, emotionally, or spiritually injured, would you help them? These are questions that I hope to keep in my mind everyday so I remember to be in service to those who may need the love of Christ.
