Why Are So Many Christians So Judgmental?

Note that I am very cautious not to say “Why are Christians so judgmental” because not all of Christians are. I don’t want to pigeon-hole people, but as a whole, many people feel that Christians are the worst to judge them against nearly impossible-to-reach standards; this happens even within our own Christian community.

There are groups that call themselves “Christians” (like Westboro Baptist Church) who protest soldiers being brought home to their funerals, LGBT hangouts, atheists, Catholics, Muslims, Jews, etc. They spew hate with their signs and protests. The thing about groups like this that hurts my heart so deeply is the fact that they give “real” Christians who are trying to spread the message of Christ; of love, acceptance and forgiveness, a bad representation. They skew the public’s perspective of what a Christian is.

The Bible is very clear on the issue.

1 John 4:7 says “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

Hebrews 12:14 says “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” This one is SO important! Show Christ in your words and actions. You know the old phrase, “You’ll attract more flies with honey than with vinegar?” This Bible verse is saying just that!

1 Peter 3:15 says “But in your hearts, revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” In other words, don’t be ashamed of your beliefs-share them-but do so without shoving it down someone else’s throat and being disrespectful. Again…flies with honey!

The one that is quoted the most is John 13:34- “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” We are called to love as God loves us. What a powerful example of selfless, blind love. He loves despite our shortcomings and failures. He loves us despite all of the sins we commit. We must do the same for others around us.

Despite your opinions/thoughts, you are to love EVERYONE. Not only the people who believe the same thing as you. Not only people who have the same color skin as you. Not only the people who have the same sexual orientation as you. LOVE EVERYONE.

Now, that being said-you do not have to AGREE with everyone. It is okay to have a different mindset and belief as someone else. It is also okay to SHARE that opinion or belief with others. You can tell someone you disagree with their choices or way of life, but to openly hate them, shame them, and twist the Lord’s word, is UNACCEPTABLE.