With the story in the news of the Christian bakers losing their business over refusing to bake a cake for a gay wedding, and the subsequent wave of cries of 'persecution!' from much of the Christian right, I thought we could all stand to remember a few words of Jesus...
"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to do you, do so to them.
"If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:27-36
It is very American to worry about the protection of our rights and freedoms, but perhaps it isn't very Christian. Perhaps the Christian response shouldn't be outrage on social media and a shrill demanding of rights.... but maybe love? Prayer? Blessing? When Jesus was stripped of everything in the face of jealousy and false accusations, he didn't yell "that's not fair!" He cried "Father, forgive them."
I'm not making a statement on whether or not they should have baked the cake or whether or not they deserved the lawsuit, but if you think you're being persecuted for your Christianity and your response isn't Christ-like - maybe a little reflection is necessary.
"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
"If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:27-36
It is very American to worry about the protection of our rights and freedoms, but perhaps it isn't very Christian. Perhaps the Christian response shouldn't be outrage on social media and a shrill demanding of rights.... but maybe love? Prayer? Blessing? When Jesus was stripped of everything in the face of jealousy and false accusations, he didn't yell "that's not fair!" He cried "Father, forgive them."
I'm not making a statement on whether or not they should have baked the cake or whether or not they deserved the lawsuit, but if you think you're being persecuted for your Christianity and your response isn't Christ-like - maybe a little reflection is necessary.
