Charity

A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes

Charles Spurgeon

Over the past few weeks I’ve written about faith and hope. I think the virtue of charity is worth considering. By this I mean the theological virtue where by we not only love God, but love our neighbor as ourselves. We are living in a time when compassion and consideration of others are in short supply. Listening to the news or looking at social media makes it clear everyone from politicians to Christian organizations are lacking in tolerance and show no mercy for anyone with opinions contrary to their own.

I’m not entirely sure how we got to this point. It seems to have been building slowly until it reached the crescendo assaulting us today. There is no rationalization by which treating others in such a dismissive matter can be construed as acceptable. Many seem to have forgotten, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This concept is such an important part of Christianity, it was referred to as the Golden Rule. I say was because it’s hard to hear over the thundering voice of hate, judgement and prejudice we are bombarded with at every turn. I am reminded of the unruly child in the classroom who gets all the attention because they are the loudest.

How can you claim to love God and hate your neighbor? When I say neighbor, I am not referring to that person next door who looks and thinks acts exactly as you do. Our response to God’s grace should extend to everyone, no matter their religion, race or ethnicity. I find it hard to find someone credible when they hold a bible in one hand and a treatise of intolerance in the other.

This is the time for Christians and Non-Christians alike to stand up and disavow the voice that claims to speak for them. I continue to believe that, if heard, that would be the louder voice. If we stopped being the silent majority and expressed our opinions publicly we would make a difference.

I, recently, read the quote, “The train has left the station. It’s time to get onboard.”, in reference to what is happening in our country, today. For those of us who choose to remain silent and do nothing, I understand. I am one of you. But, it might be the time to get onboard or risk our future right to be heard.