OPINION: Let us love, not condemn

This Sunday, billions of people will celebrate Christmas across the world. While we honor the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, let us not forget the whole reason why he came.

Many know John 3:16, “for God so loved the world that he gave his only son.” Many aren’t as familiar with the very next verse, “for God did not send his son to condemn the world but to save it.”

Just like it was 2,000 years ago, the world continues to be divided. Back then, we had Pharisees. They knew God’s law and required the utmost purity. They condemned those who did not follow it. On the other side, we had the Romans and gentiles who did not believe in God or follow his ways. Each group equally distanced from God’s heart.

Christ came to show us how to live as God desires. We are to love each other. Listen to and build relationships with each other. Not condemn each other.

In today’s terms, instead of the Sanhedrin, we have the court of public opinion. Instead of throwing rocks, we hurl insults on social media.

Remember as it says in Luke 5:31, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick.”

Christ came equally to save the conservatives and the liberals. For IACI (Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry) just as much as the IFF (Idaho Freedom Foundation). For Nancy Pelosi as much as he did Donald Trump. For those who try to stop RINOs as those who may be socialist awkward.

Unfortunately, many times, those who look healthy on the outside may not realize the sickness going on inside them. And those who appear outwardly sick are those most likely to turn toward God if shown the way.

We are to heal not judge. To love and serve, not condemn or shout down. As Christ taught, we can be firm in our faith, yet recognize that we ALL, myself included, fall short of the glory of God and need his salvation. Those we disagree with aren’t our enemy. They are the mission-field for Christ.

Let us be less Pharisees and more disciples of the Lord. Let us love on those we disagree with versus treating them like society did the woman at the well. Then we can truly be witness to the transformation of lives. Then we can truly honor Christ this Christmas.

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Daniel Silver is the first vice-chairman of the Idaho Republican Party and the Western U.S. regional director for the Young Republican National Federation. He was previously the state chairman for the Idaho Young Republicans.