Irony

Recently I was at a morning bible study at my church. I am glad I did not take offense, but I feel I should have said something. It was a simple remark from a man who studied with us. It seemed he disliked a certain news caster because he supported the LGBT community. Hmm, should I have mentioned he was sitting next to a member of the same community. Maybe I should have. It would have been a good teaching moment. Yes, I regret not saying something. I also regret that no one challenged the gentleman's attitude.

"The tax collectors and sinner were all gathering around to hear Jesus." (Luke 15:1). I have always appreciated the irony of this statement. Why would people who were already treated as outcasts by the religious community want to be around Jesus? I don't know. Maybe Jesus saw the sinners differently from the Pharisees. Maybe church isn't about exclusion but inclusion.

I don't do politics. In fact, I abhor how politics and religion have become an unholy alliance. Maybe I am just someone who cares for others. I care for my friends in the LGBT community and am saddened that they are driven away from Jesus by the very people who are supposed to share God's love.