“Be careful what you preach.” // I had a really interesting conversation with some people a little while ago and it has stuck with me since. While the conversation was rich and deep, I regret to say it was not satisfying nor did it bring me (or them) any joy whatsoever. Without going into too much detail, I want to emphasize how incredibly important it is that we as Christians (and human beings on a larger scale) watch what we say to the young and impressionable. Just because you interpret something loosely related to religion (and I say religion intentionally as opposed to faith and Jesus because these seem to be totally different things these days) does not mean that your interpretation is correct nor the way, the truth, and the life. This notion that one person’s interpretation of how another should live their lives leads to more pain than goodness. Religion seems more about control, judgement, and exclusiveness than it is about Christ, tolerance, and love. This includes how we view others around us, what they should or should not do, how they should dress, how they should present themselves. All of the stuff I’ve heard that resonates the most is no where to be found in the Bible, but I find it all over the place in churches. Please, be careful. Be conscientious. Be mindful. Put out more gentleness and grace in the world than judgement and fear-mongering. There is so, so, so much pain that comes from religious fear-mongering and a focus on sin avoidance over acceptance, love, and tolerance. // #love #christianity #bekind #thinktwice #thechurch #christianity #christianitytoday #lovelikejesus #grace #tolerance #healing #lovetrumpshate #fearisnottheanswer #loveistheanswer #jesus #christ #christvschristianity #encouragement #portraiture #portrait #selfie #thegentlestrength #raisethemup #snapseed #vsco #vscocam #vscophoto #vscocamgram
