Exercising The Attributes of Christianity: Love

Sometimes, I hesitate to post some of my thoughts and opinions online. Not for the typical "will people consider what I type or discuss or will they mock me" rubbish though. My hesitation stems for the reason that my pieces are never complete. Thoughts and ideas are in constant evolution. Do I have my ideas together and are they coherent? Did I leave something out? For me, even after a blog piece is posted, it's never finished. My opinions are, after all, just exactly that, opinions. They are not validated fact. They are not written in stone and they are open to interpretation. My main intention is to not have people just accept things at face value. When it comes to my post covering religion, I want to shed a unique perspective on God's word that most people haven't thought of. At the very least, it's important for people to think about unique interpretations that they might not have previously invested thought into. This article series will explore the three attributes that define Jesus and Christianity: Love, Kindness, and Compassion. This article will focus on the attribute of love.

Love

The attribute of love is a important one. Throughout his ministry, Jesus offered his spiritual love to those that needed it. He gave attention to those who were despised, like the tax collectors and prostitutes and those marginalized by society, like the poor. Jesus calls on us to demonstrate our love for those in need, regardless of who they are. Jesus constantly demonstrated love to those who had leprosy. He gave them new life by healing them of their horrible disease. He held no hostility towards the Samaritan ethnic group that were widely despised during that time. Jesus, didn't conform to the political views of the establishment of the day. Jesus demonstrated love for the servant of the Roman Centurion that was in pain. The leaders of the Kingdom of Israel during that time would much rather wanted to see that servant bite the dust than to be healed. Speaking of which, Jesus healed many of their past sins. Jesus's ministry was about spreading the news of who he is and his love. Jesus wanted those to embrace his spiritual beliefs, so that they could have that personal relationship with him. Preparing them for his kingdom in Heaven. Jesus didn't embrace the political dogma of its day because it would be realized that his attribute of love would be lost if his followers turned his ministry into a political movement. The message of love would be lost if people forgotten about his kingdom in Heaven, and went out to create their own kingdom on Earth in his name. Interpreting Jesus's beliefs the way that they wanted to, and ignore his attributes in the process.

During that time, people went through issues, as currently now. For example, a situation comes up where a woman is contemplating abortion. In our country, it's her civic right and freedom to get one. Our role within Christianity is to guide her spiritually to her decision if she calls upon us for spiritual guidance. At the end of the day, it's her personal choice of the private matter to make. Our role within the church is to offer spiritual guidance for her to make that decision on her own, not dictate that decision for her. We would be stepping out of our spiritual role if we dictated that decision for her. Jesus would still want us to demonstrate compassion for her, regardless of the decision that he makes. She is still in need of spiritual guidance, whatever decision is made.

What would happen if she decided to get a abortion? Are we to toss her by the side and tell her that she's going straight to Hell, and God doesn't love her, rejecting her in the process. Taking into consideration that she is probably going through personal torment with the decision that she made. Are we to ignore and reject her pleas for spiritual help when she needs it the most now. Jesus would have demanded us to reach out to her. He wouldn't have had it any other way! She needs to have that shoulder to cry on. Within Christianity, it doesn't excuse the sin. However, that sin can still be forgiven if she acknowledges and repents for that sin, and ask for forgiveness. In that very moment that this occurs, that woman would receive more love from Jesus than any self-righteous fool sitting on high condemning her, but yet, ignores their own spiritual shortcomings in the process. There is no “she is beyond forgiveness”, especially when the one who is forgiving her is God's Son himself! In a ironic sort of way, that woman become a better template for Christianity than that “thou-art”, pious, self-righteous fool mentioned earlier.

Pope Francis has spoken about the reaching out to the spiritual needs of homosexuals. Now, we know of the Church doctrine regarding this topic. He pointed out that the Catholic Church is not going to change it's Doctrine to accommodate homosexuality. The Bible does have its establish views covering the topic. With that said, he still noted that it's possible for us Christians to reach out to them for their spiritual needs, because Jesus would have demanded us to do so. They are still people with the same color of blood is as ours. It would still be possible to meet their spiritual needs without betraying are beliefs or doctrine. Spiritual outreach because where called out to reach out, from Jesus himself. To be reminded, they have spiritual needs like the rest of us, as the woman dealing with the abortion decision has her spiritual needs as well. The person suffering from alcoholism. Jesus calls on us to display our love to others, regardless of what issues their going through. We are not called to embrace the act of condemnation, which is the complete opposite of love. Especially if those doing the condemnation are the pious, self-righteous morons mentioned earlier who have their own massive spiritual shortcomings that they ignore, but yet contradict their Christian views by partaking in condemnation instead of love.

Love is the attribute that makes us do things because we want to, not because we feel obligated too. Love is giving a bottle water to someone who is dying of thirst. During the extreme heat known as the South Texas heat, this demonstration of love couldn't be more true. Love is buying a homeless person a burger for a meal. Do you know that the power of the burger can bring people together. Pizza has that power too! Love is someone crying on your shoulder when their going through pain. Love is doing the right thing because you know its right in your heart. It's what Jesus would have demanded from us, his believers and followers.