Hating Christians?

As one who has been in Christian circles my whole life...

I’ve met countless people who suck at the ideal Christian identity. People who judge when they should show mercy, who are complacent when they should be convicted. Who treat Jesus as a trophy or bragging piece that sits on their mantle. Cheaters, thieves, narcissists, liars who commit every evil, all while claiming Christianity. 

The reality of the situation is that the very nature of people is to corrupt what is good.

There isn’t an organization in the world that doesn’t have corrupt people involved. They’re in every government, religion, charity, corporation, institution, industry, company, etc. 

In reality, Jesus is the only good thing to have ever been to this world or will ever come back. This is the very reason why a relationship with Him changes everything. 

Personally, I have struggled with applying the label of “Christian” to myself. I hate terms like “Not Christian enough”or “I need to do X to be a good Christian”, because there is nothing you can DO to “be a good Christian”. 

Rather, when you believe in Jesus, He becomes the only good thing in you. 

Only once focus is taken off your efforts and yourself entirely and placed on Christ (the ONLY mediator between us and GOD) can you partake in this life-changing relationship offered, while being seen with approval by GOD. 

This is the difference of “relationship” vs “religion”. 

I hate religion - maybe that’s where my hesitancy to call myself a “Christian” comes from. I don’t want to be mistaken as religious. To me, that is the worst misidentification, since my relationship with Jesus is what should dictate how my life is lived. Not ritual, sacrifice, or some higher sense of moralism. 

Looking around at people who hate Jesus, Christians, or GOD because of sin people have done - I cannot help but think: "Beloved, If you only KNEW who He truly is and what He does for us by His sacrifice!"

For me, it’s the way He has never left. Even when I have put Him aside to pursue my own desires.

Equally, it’s the way He has tenderly and protectively led me out of abusive and sinful situations and into seasons and places of serenity, peace, and support while identifying me as His beloved. There is no greater security, no higher sense of purpose!

This relationship GOD craves with us, so much that He sent His son to die for a gross, gritty, self-righteous world. You and I are included in that worldly lot. 

This love is free and plenty. 

And it waits for YOU! 

- Amaris ☆ //