A culture of abuse and slander swirls around us and seeks to poison our view of the world. Via the internet, television, printed materials – from politicians, talk show hosts, good ole boys, and even well-meaning people – we are told that Muslims, Democrats, homosexuals, illegal aliens, and others are less than human, represent the dregs of society, and are not worthy to live. In shrill tones, these voices shout – Fear! Protect! Attack!
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we must resist these voices and hold fast to an alternative vision. Instead, the voice of Jesus must order our words and actions – “whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also” … “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Mt 5:40, 44). Jesus did more than speak these words, he lived them by touching lepers, speaking to women, embracing Samaritans, loving those on the margins, and suffering death on the cross.
The Jesus way confronted Peter. A lifetime of religious instruction and cultural reinforcement had taught him to hate, despise, and dismiss the Romans. And yet, God revealed to Peter another way – love and inclusion. Peter is confronted with a choice – either abandon his prejudice or deny God’s acceptance of Cornelius (Acts 10). In the end, Peter declares, “Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality!”
I can disagree with another and even be on the opposite side of an issue, but the gospel does not allow me to slander, curse, strike or kill another human being. If I slander or demonize another person, be they Republican or Democrat, Jew or Muslims, black or white, poor or immigrant (legal or illegal), homosexual or disabled, then I deny the gospel. For the gospel of Jesus Christ …
* is powerful enough to transform anyone – “it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Rom 1:16)
* is for the whole world – “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16)
* unifies people – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28)
* creates a new humanity – “a multitude which no one could count, from every nation, all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, … and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb” (Rev. 7:9, 10)
The gospel destroys the walls that separate the people. As the people of God, we are called to join him in the ministry of wall-demolition. For you see, while we were enemies of God, Christ showed no partiality toward us; rather he died for our sins and made a way for us to know him, his love and grace. We serve his mission not through venom, hate, exclusion, slander, curses or self-preservation but by laying down our lives for the other. This is the gospel – may we have courage to speak and live it in the midst of a polarized and uncivil society!
