If Jesus Can Love Them, Why Can't We? by Danny Bawibikthawng

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 If Jesus Can Love Them, Why Can't We?f

(Danny Bawibikthawng) 

In a world where divisions and disagreements are rampant, revisiting the teachings of Jesus Christ is essential. Jesus consistently demonstrated love, compassion, and acceptance towards all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs. As Christians, we are instructed to "love our neighbors as ourselves" (Mark 12:31) and to "love our enemies" (Matthew 5:44). The apostle Paul further emphasizes this teaching, instructing us to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15).

 

However, in today's society, people are often judged, marginalized, and excluded due to their theological perspectives, faith, or identity. This contradicts the biblical teaching that we should not judge others but rather focus on loving and accepting them (Matthew 7:1-5).

 

The story of the woman caught in adultery, found in John 8:1-11, illustrates Jesus' approach. Instead of condemning her, Jesus showed love, kindness, and compassion, saying, "Go and sin no more" (John 8:11). This response highlights the importance of loving and accepting others, even when they have erred.

 

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde's courageous sermon at President Trump’s inaugural prayer service on January 21, 2025, emphasizing love and acceptance for all individuals, including transgender people, resonates with me. Although I hold a different theological perspective on this issue, I admire Bishop Budde's commitment to loving and accepting all people, regardless of their background or beliefs.

 

As a Christian, I do not support gender reassignment. However, I believe judgment should not be our initial response. Our biblical mandate is to love everyone, regardless of background or beliefs, including our enemies. The LGBTQ+ community is not our enemy; they are individuals deserving of love, compassion, and acceptance.

 

For clarification, I have a unique perspective on transgender issues. While I believe that God's original design for humanity was male and female (Genesis 1:27), I also recognize that human experience is complex and multifaceted. I may not fully understand or agree with the experiences of transgender individuals, but I am committed to loving and accepting them as children of God.

 

In Romans 3:23, the apostle Paul writes that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This verse reminds me that I, too, am a sinner in need of God's love and redemption. As I navigate complex issues like transgender identity, I am committed to extending the same love, compassion, and acceptance that God has shown me.

 

As we engage with others who may hold different perspectives, may we remember that our primary calling is to love and accept, rather than to judge or condemn. May we strive to create spaces where all individuals feel valued, heard, and loved.

 

But let's ask ourselves:

• How many times do we remember them in our prayers?

• How many times do we show love to them unconditionally, as Jesus instructs us?

• How many times do we share the truth with them in love, as Ephesians 4:15 commands?

• Are we better because we sin in different ways?

• Do we truly believe that God loves them, or do we doubt His love?

• Are we willing to demonstrate love, compassion, and acceptance towards all individuals, just as Jesus did?

• Do we recognize that our judgment and condemnation can drive people further away from God?

• Can we humbly acknowledge our own shortcomings and sins, and extend the same mercy and forgiveness to others?

 

Mother Teresa's words echo in my mind: "If we judge him, then there is no place to love." Judgment and love cannot coexist. As Christians, we are called to love everyone, regardless of their identity or beliefs. If God loves them, why shouldn't we? Bishop Budde's inaugural prayer service message inspired me with its powerful call for compassion, justice, and mercy, particularly towards immigrants, refugees, and the LGBTQ+ community. As I ponder the question, "If Jesus can love them, why can't we?" I am reminded of the importance of loving and accepting all people, regardless of their background or beliefs.

 

May we, as followers of Jesus, be known for our love, compassion, and acceptance of all people. May our words and actions reflect the heart of God, who loves and accepts everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. As we strive to create spaces where everyone feels valued, heard, and loved, may we remember that our primary calling is to love and accept, rather than to judge or condemn. By doing so, we can reflect Jesus' love and compassion in our daily lives.

 

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