I will never be a Christian

 I say that fairly often, then equally often add that I do follow Jesus.  And I guess that must sound a bit nuts.

Something happened this week that made me realise I could explain it. I had a meme thing pop up on Facebook that stunned me. Americans calling a Bishop evil for .. the sin of empathy?

My dad LOVED the concept of empathy. He always said that the greatest gift we could have.

And quite honestly, I can't think of anyone better to illustrate that word than Jesus: the man who ate with sinners, blessed a prostitute, treated his woman followers with utmost respect and equality, protected children, told us to take care of the injured stranger lying on the side of the road, gave his blessings of healing to people not of his faith or race, and only asked one thing...

John 13:34-35

34 A new commandment I give unto you: that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

So who is this Bishop Budde? I was curious and looked her up. I watched her sermon.

HOLY CRAP.  Her sin was asking for compassion, unity and understanding? WTH??? Has it really become this twisted? Have so-called "Christians" really forgotten the actual teachings of the man they call the Son of God?

And then it all came back to me, all the times I've tried to join a church only to be hit in the face by the fact every single church I've experienced has wanted me to put their doctrine above the word of Jesus. Nope, I can't do it.

 I will always put Jesus first. I will never be a church Christian.

Matthew 22:36-40

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

And that's not easy. Because the inner me is a fiery, big-mouthed, shit-stirrer who wants to roar in and smack people, like Peter did. :D I'm not quiet. Anyone who knows me will vouch for that! I'm more like those brothers, James and John, that Jesus named the Sons of Thunder. hahaha

The whole turning the cheek and forgiving? hmm.. not easy for me. But I am aware and I try to keep myself balanced. And when I do lose the plot I take comfort in the Jesus who raged and threw the the merchants and money-makers out of His Father's house.

There are times to rage, but never without holding onto love and empathy.

Luke 6:27-31

“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.”