The sharing of a current version of the parable of The Good Samaritan brought it home to me. Though my brother and I were raised by the same parents, went to the same church and Sunday School classes, attended the same elementary and high school schools, we either learned completely different lessons from those experiences or our experiences after leaving our home town were influential in creating that divide.
I viewed the parable as we should help those in need, no matter their background, beliefs, circumstances. He took it as heaven is obtained by those who follow the rules and believes in the salvation of Jesus to enter heaven.
To me it is so disappointing and sad that Christianity has evolved into a belief that we should only help those who believe like us. People leaving their home towns on a perilous journey to the US so they can be safe, provide for their families, yet are seen as leopards not worthy of love, healing and compassion.
I don't understand the religion I was raised on. The love and compassion for others, no matter their circumstances, seems to have left. Or maybe I have left it. Because I don't want to be a part of a belief system that is not compassionate, not focused on love of all God's children regardless of their beliefs or lifestyles. We are all God's children, made in his/her image. If God made such diverse people, should we not love them all?
Selectively quoting the bible does not change that we should care for those in need. No matter their home town, the person they love, or the person they are. One of my greatest challenges is giving that same level of compassion for the leader of our country who displays the exact opposite of the lessons I learned in my home town.
Proverbs 10:12, Hate stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
Unfortunately we are so divided that love for others and this blog post will likely be seen as a delusional expression.
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