Easter: A Challenge to Love the Different Ones
I heard once that we consider people to be weird who are not like us. We think we’re the normal ones. Truthfully, it makes us a bit uncomfortable when someone is different. Someone who is doing things differently. It takes us out of our comfort zone.
I think the same concept could be applied to those who are fellow believers of Christ. (I must state here that I’m not talking about people who claim to be followers of Jesus, like Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses. They do not worship the Jesus of the Bible.)
I’m speaking of those who may have other ways of doing things. Those who step outside the box. Many of our methods are based on tradition, not the Bible. Not that they are wrong. It’s just wrong to measure what other people do according to our traditions instead of according to what the Bible actually teaches.
In Mark 9:38-41, John approached Jesus and mentioned he and some others rebuked a man for casting out demons in Jesus’ name, because he was not physically following him. Jesus let him know that if this man is doing these works in Jesus’ name, he is for them, not against them.
We are family. Nothing would bless the heart of the Father more than to see his children loving each other in spite of their differences. Especially during this Easter season, let’s think about the Savior and sacrifice our ideas on the altar of love and friendship.
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What a great post. As Christians, we tend to forget that our mission is to bring the lost to Christ. What if Jesus had decided that only a certain look, skin color, body shape, or caste would be the only ones he came to save? That would have been a devastating blow! No, He came for all who would receive Him.By the same measure, those who seem to be diferrent, are also loved by Him. Let’s not forget the purpose of, “The Good News.” Blessings
Dr. Velazquez, the idea of the Good News surely is good for everyone! No matter what. Thank you for pointing that out. Great insights!
It is so human to be judgmental of those different from us, but it is divine to accept them as fellow travelers on our Christian walk.
Thanks for the inspiration, Jennifer!
Sharing the thoughts and research for personal and home bible study to give God the glory. Build your reference book to refer back to for growing thoughts of truth and
comfort for the future guidance.
Sounds good, Esther!
I liked this article. Thank you. I enjoyed the quote concerning doing works in Jesus’s name. “He is for them, not against them.”
Yes, he is. It’s so hard to wrap that idea around our head sometimes, isn’t it?