According to the International Society for Human Rights in Frankfurt, Germany, about 80% of acts of religious discrimination in the world today are directed against Christians. Various sources estimate 150,000 Christians are killed for the faith every year, in far-flung locations such as sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East.
“IF YOU WANT ME TO BELIEVE IN YOU, SHOW YOURSELF!” they yell to the skies in defiance, and then turn to others around them saying, “See? He does not show!” And child after child after college student after college student is bullied out of their faith; shouted down and having their faith reduced to something absurd; like a fairy tale or a formula; and even a faith that has been handed down for CENTURIES from generation to generation, often times is wiped out casually by a teacher, or an hour long documentary on the History channel.
But do not be discouraged. And do not despise them! Remember: we want to WITNESS to them! And so his morning, I give you an arrow in your quiver to try and pierce their hearts. Simplify! Simplify! Do not be put off by how LARGE the arguments seem!
This is the reason why our theology is certain: It leads us not to look at ourselves but founds us on that which is outside us, so that we do not rely on our own powers, conscience, feeling, person, and works but on that which is outside us, that is, the promise and truth of God, which cannot deceive us. - Martin Luther
Love one another. Do not sit idly by as they struggle on their own. Do not be their source of pain or hurt with comments or tone that act like their situation is different form yours. LOVE them. Their feelings are the most important commodity to you; their comfort more valuable than gold!
For God loves them. And asks for us to too. And we do. We do. We do, knowing our Lord Jesus Christ, is coming back to take sin and death away. He really is. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Maybe, today’s man isn’t able to perceive the beauty, greatness and profound consolation of the word ‘father’ that we can use to talk to God in prayer, because today father figures are often not sufficiently present, and not sufficiently positive, in everyday life.” -Pope Benedict XVI, addressing his general audience on Wednesday, May 23
Christ takes away the pain of sin by not only taking it from us but obliterating it so that it is no more. He takes our shame by healing those whom we have hurt and making us not full of guilt, but instead by giving us his righteousness. He takes the scars and pains of loved ones lost and sooths with an unending peace that passes all understanding by, simply, raising them from the dead and making a place where there is no life unlived; there is no goodbye; there is no separation from those whom God has given us to love.