Do You Speak the Language of Love or Judgment? (Why I Love Jesus but Sometimes I Don’t Like Other Christians Part 1)
Lately I’ve had these thoughts:
I don’t even like Christians, and I am one. Sometimes I understand why Christians get such a bad name.
These are new thoughts to me.
Let me be clear about me and Jesus. I am a woman who loves Jesus passionately. I have been a Christian for 43 years. The kind of Christian who has hungered and thirsted for God. The kind who loves God’s Word, reads it almost daily, who has been in churches, Bible study, and Christian ministry for most of my life.
I have been mostly so fortunate to have real, loving, and authentic relationships with many other Christians.
But I’ve had some experiences with Christians lately, situations that have made me think these new thoughts.
So what’s happened?
My life circumstances have changed in a way I never imagined.
While I’ve experienced mostly love and support, I’ve also experienced surprise, questions, judgment, and misunderstanding from some other Christians.
I get it. No man is an island; we each affect one another in the body of Christ.
But what I’ve been surprised at is that some other Christians have judged before they’ve sought to understand or to find out more about my situation.
Hmmm…
Some people have made my hard situation harder with their harshness.
So I am learning and seeking God about what to do with these thoughts and feelings.
Here’s where I’ve landed today:
- I have a Holy Spirit, and it is not another person.
- I do need to seek God fiercely in this place and follow Him.
- I invite input from trusted, godly friends.
- I have much more compassion for other people who have been misunderstood and hurt in their hard places.
- I want to speak the language of love, not judgment.
When I started this blog, Doing the Best We Can, I started with the desire to write about grace and judgment. I had no idea then that I would be in this place now.
I can see how, through giving me a desire to write about this topic, God has so graciously prepared me and equipped me for this time.
I’d love to know your thoughts on this topic.
Thank you for being here, Sweet Friends.
~ Melanie
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Melanie,
I think sometimes people who judge without knowing all the facts are just projecting their own stuff on others. It feels better to look at someone else’s situation instead of looking in the mirror themselves.
As Christians, we are called to love and support our brothers and sisters, not judge them. I am so very sorry you are experiencing this right now. I lift you up in prayer and I want you to know that I care and am here for you if you ever want to talk. My life has been filled with difficult times, and I know how important it is to have people you can count on to be there for you and not JUDGE!
Sending love, Rene
Hi Rene, Love seeing you here! Good insight about easier to point fingers at others rather than look at your own stuff.
Mostly, I have amazing Christian support, but somethings have been tough…I’m going to send you an email.
Thank you for your love and support!
Melanie
Oh my goodness I am going through the same thing right now. People react based on their own inner conflict – with judgment and projection. It hurts – it feels like rejection — but often what they are rejecting is God’s truth, the same truth that will set them free. I am committed to keep praying for the same people who have hurt me, and pray that live and grace will open their eyes to the truth . Thanks for sharing.
Oh Cindy,
I’m sorry you are going through this.
BUT what a Christ-filled response to pray for them.
Thank you for the reminder!