Today's Pondering: The opposite of hate
I have always found it interesting that something which is supposed to instill love in our hearts has caused so much anger and hatred throughout our world. I’m talking about religion, of course. For as much as our religious leaders extoll the virtue of love, there is a hint of hate in every sermon that preaches against other religions or beliefs. I’m not sure they see it as hate, but this is the way it comes across to me. I’ve sat through some sermons that left me wondering, “Where was the love?” For example, any time I’ve heard a preacher speak about homosexuality, it has been with indignance and a declaration of intolerance. No matter what our views are on homosexuality, we should always remember that every person deserves love. Even if the way they are living goes against what your God says is right, you shouldn’t be hateful to homosexuals. You shouldn’t spread hate against them.
I’ve heard Obama-bashing from “Christians” that left me feeling sick. How can we be good Christians or good people at all if we are spending our time pointing out the faults of others? Not one of us on this earth hasn’t or will not make mistakes in our lives. The fact that our audiences for these mistakes are much smaller is the only thing that keeps our names out of society’s collective mouth. Many times, this bashing occurs right after a church service or worse, right there in the church. I’m pretty sure that this isn’t the way God intends us to spend our time.
I’ve been known to be critical of others on my other blog. I’ve had my opinions about Angelina Jolie, Rosie O’Donnell, and other celebrities who weren’t on my list of favorites. At times, I was hateful instead of dealing with my disgust for their actions in a productive way, I have aimed for the entertainment value that lies in a quick-witted insult. After much consideration, I decided that I was going to try to be less hateful and more constructive in my criticisms. I feel much better about this and I think this is what I’m supposed to do. It’s hard for me not to make cracks about some things, but I know that if I do, I ‘m not living in the spirit of love as is God’s will. What could you do differently that would bring more love into your life? Think about it and chime in if you feel called to.
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My name is Rebecca Benston. I’m a Christian. I’m a woman. I’m a mother. I’m a writer. I’m a thinker. When I write fiction, I am usually writing a mystery series called The Rona Shively Stories. My P.I. character, Rona Shively is feisty, fearless and fabulous and is usually caught up in something she doesn’t want to be caught up in. In addition to this series, I also have a blog called Higher Ground for Life. Through this blog, I’m hoping to reach women or anyone who is seeking to develop a relationship with God and give them inspiration to get out there and follow His path for their lives!
I also have a blog called Leading the Follower. This one is my favorite. I write about religion, faith, spirituality and all that goes along with it. What we believe, what we don’t believe, what we are told to believe and how society feels about believing in general. I do a lot of testifying here and some of what I say may make you angry. Most of it will make you think. Some of it will make you cry. Any of it could make you laugh. It’s really up to you.
If you are looking for practical advice, honest conversation, and no nonsense observations about living in today’s world, check out my blogs at http://highergroundbooksandmedia.com and http://www.ronashively.wordpress.com and http://www.highergroundforlife.wordpress.com and http://www.leadingthefollower.wordpress.com. And if you’re so inclined, you can purchase my books and some other great, inspirational works from Higher Ground Books & Media at http://highergroundbooksandmedia.com.
Be blessed!
Leading the Follower 