Love that doesn’t get political, that doesn’t stand up for anyone, that doesn’t oppose abuse, is not really love at all.

By Jim Rigby

My Commentary:

“Love that doesn’t get political, that doesn’t stand up for anyone, that doesn’t oppose abuse, is not really love at all.”

Christian love is deeply personal, but it cannot remain merely private. If we love our neighbor, eventually that love must affect how we respond to the conditions in which our neighbor lives.

Jesus did not belong to a political party, but His teachings certainly had consequences for public life. He defended the poor, welcomed the stranger, challenged religious hypocrisy, condemned exploitation, elevated women, embraced the outcast, and insisted upon the dignity of every human being.

That kind of love can become uncomfortable.

It is easy to love in the abstract. It is harder when love requires us to defend someone being mistreated, challenge an unjust policy, confront prejudice, or speak when silence would be safer.

But Christianity also gives us an important warning: we must never become hateful while fighting hatred. We can oppose injustice without despising the people with whom we disagree. Jesus commanded us not only to love the oppressed but also to love our enemies.

That may be the most difficult politics of all.

Christian love asks more than, “Which side are you on?” It asks, “Who is hurting? Who is being forgotten? Who has no voice? Whose dignity is being denied? And what would Jesus have me do?”

Sometimes love feeds a hungry person.
Sometimes it visits someone who is lonely.
Sometimes it forgives.
And sometimes love must stand up, speak out, and say, “This is wrong.”

The Gospel is never an excuse for indifference.

If our faith never challenges how we treat other human beings, it has become too comfortable.

Love is tender, but it is not timid.

Do YOU find it difficult to oppose injustice without despising the people with whom you disagree?

SOMETIMES THE MOST LOVING THING A CHRISTIAN CAN DO IS REFUSE TO REMAIN SILENT!

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