April 6th, 2021: Don't Abuse One Another

 


Some vegan folks have been talking to me about the importance of having a non-meat diet. Some are more militant than others. Honestly, I am not a big meat eater, but I do like to have meat in my diet. Most understand my preference. However, there is always an exception. These militants folks would send me materials, judge me for working to help feedlots and have eggs for breakfast once in a while.


Some of my friends have also encountered some seriously hostile people from their church about their decisions to be vaccinated. Some even use spiritual language such as giving into themselves to the scheme of the devil, not having enough faith, and being naive about the spiritual battle they have to face. This type of interaction has damaged some fellowships. There are rights and wrongs, and there are preferences. Many years ago, I met a Christian brother who would refuse to have his annual medical check-up. He died very quickly from colon cancer. I have also met folks who hypersensitive about their health problems. They could not talk to me about anything else except their health.


Jesus instructed us that we have to reason with one another. We also need to accept that we don't always see how God works the same way. We also don't read scientific data with the same set of lenses. We should not become spiritual bullies as we use spiritual language to guilt and to manipulate others. We might just want to accept the fact that there are differences among us and learn to respect one another for the choices we make. We all have to live with the consequences of our choice.


This type of behavior is not new in many social and religious circles. We have seen leaders who become cult figures and demand absolute obedience from their followers. The outcomes of these organizations tend to be destructive and faithless in the end. God grants us the freedom of choice and prepares a way to redeem us when we make wrong ones. He asks to offer the same love to one another.


2 Timothy 3: 1-4

 

"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God."

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