Some quote Matthew 25:35-40 to prove we have a biblical responsibility to care for and shelter the “other,” the “stranger.” Some quote Matthew 25:35-40 to prove we have no obligation to the “outsider” because the passage refers to those inside the community of believers; in fact, we have no obligation outside the circle of believers.
Some quote Romans 1:26-27 to prove God condemns homosexuality. Some quote Romans 1:26-27 to argue the passage isn’t so much against homosexuality, given awkward translations, but needs to be seen within the context of race and cultural tensions between the Hellenistic Jews and the Gentiles.
Some say the people claiming to be refugees are really migrants. Some say war caused the refugees, so the only lasting solution is to bring an end to that war. Some say Europe and North America can absorb all the refugees and should do so. Some say the problem belongs to wealthy Muslim nations to solve. Some say the world needs more aid support, either through faith-based, secular or government agencies. Some place the onus on the United Nations.
Some say the Alberta Tar Sands are an ecological blight and are ruining Canada’s reputation around the world. Some say the Alberta Oil Sands have helped save Canada from economic ruin and will continue to do so.
Everybody claims his or her viewpoint is biblical, is true to the Great Commission and honest to his or her spirituality.
Some fear economic depressions. Some fear criminality. Some feel guilty about their own wealth and fortunes. Some focus on sin. Some focus on redemption. Everyone talks about grace. Everyone reads the Bible; everyone quotes it; which is not surprising given there are 31,102 verses to choose from.
Some are listening for grace. Some are listening for the Word. Some are grinding axes. Some are supercilious.
Everyone is evangelising in one way or another; everyone seems to believe others are not evangelising enough or not evangelising properly or not evangelising in the way or on the subject they would approve.
St. Paul said: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Jesus said: “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that
I myself may be in them.”
Merry Christmas.
