Hate mail

No, no one is sending me hate mail personally, but on my facebook feed there is a relentless stream of anti-Christian vitriol that is getting harder and harder to take.  It is often disguised in the form of liberal politics, but the underlying hatefulness is so shocking I really have been stunned. 

I cannot imagine any other group being the object of so much derision.  I can't imagine people feeling that it is acceptable to call anyone else idiots, nuts, vultures.

And I am not saying that Christians, as a group, are always above criticism.  Of course not.  Any group made up of....humans... is bound to have it's faults.  But the kind of stuff being bandied around is just not loving or kind in any way, shape, or form.  It adds nothing to the conversation.  It doesn't open the door to understanding.  It is amazing how closed minded ''tolerant'' people can be.

Christianity is an easy target, I know.  Any group that lives outside the world of conventional wisdom is suspect.  Some of the things we believe are incomprehensible to the world.  But wouldn't that be a great opportunity to have a dialogue?  And how can dialogue happen when there is so much bitterness and polarization?

I admit I am struggling with this because these people were friends from another life.  I used to go to church, worship, and socialize with many of the folks who seem to think nothing of vilifying Christians.  It makes it all the more painful for me.  But I am also aware that I need to be praying for them.... and praying for myself to get over it.

Proverbs 19:11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

John 13:34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Lord, help me to pray for those who write these hurtful words.  Let me be an instrument of peace, not of discord.  I pray that I will joyfully lay down my past and take up that which you have for me.  I pray for healing and strength in the face of anger and hatred.  I pray that I will be willing to be a fool for you, my Savior, Lord, Friend.