People under 30 generally view Bible-believing Christians as judgmental, hypocritical, rude, and insensitive according to authors David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons.
Ever wonder why there are so many people out there who feel burned and hurt by the church? We seem so quick to place blame on the person who hates all this Jesus stuff. Who can blame them? Why would people who are repeatedly shamed for being human take another chance by walking into a building with people who continually hurt and disrespect them?
Do you know any of these people?
Felons. Prostitutes. People who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. People who are homeless or experiencing crisis in their lives. Murders. Sex offenders. People who beg for money. Abusers. Drunk drivers. Alcoholics. Addicts. Gluttons. People who are unmotivated. Work-a-holics. Dead-beat dads. Neglectful moms. Bratty children. Obnoxious teenagers. Pot heads. Gambling addicts. People with mental illness. Welfare recipients. Your rude next door neighbor. The creepy guy who lives down the street. Wal-Mart shoppers. The sexually-immoral. Thieves. Adulterers. Blind people. The financially irresponsible. Bad drivers.
We all fall into at least one of these categories.
Christ actually wanted these people to hang around him.
Bible-believing churches need to spend more time demonstrating love to longtime members and newcomers. Most of the time people beat themselves up enough for their own mistakes. No one needs additional shame invoked on them.
As Bible-believers, we strive to be more Christ-like every day. There is a time and place for accountability of our actions. Surprisingly, you will not find Scripture that specifically insists you must condemn non-believers.
- “It is not my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.” 1 Corinthians 5:12
However, Christ gives specific instruction about how to confront a believer out of love.
- “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again.” Matthew 5:18-16
- “If another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.” Galatians 6:1-3
You can show love and compassion to people without compromising the foundations of Christ. Not only can you do it, but Christ calls you to gently and humbly do so as well. End Christian hypocrisy with accountability and love.
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