I think that until recently I didn’t realize how labels have become prolific, especially with young adults. Unfortunately, this is not something that we can blame on immaturity as it is multi-generational. Even as we are a society that seemingly promotes diversity, we see people labeling those that are not living their lives in agreement with that diversity. It is a striking contrast to what diversity is meant to accomplish.
There is a further sadness to this situation as a whole when Christians are accused of judging the diversity, as having zero tolerance, and then are labeled as being a huge part of the problem.
It seems as though the mandate for believers to love everyone is sadly misunderstood by a world that has there own definition of love. In Galatians 5 starting in verse 22 we are told the fruit of the Spirit is love, and from love flows joy, peace, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Therefore, it must be from this perspective that we speak into an unbelieving world. A world that will use the authority with which we speak to judge us, as they perceive that we are judging them.
As with all human beings, believers can also be flawed in their representation of Jesus, and this is what the enemy will use against us. Yet, there remains a distinct difference between who we are and how the enemy wants the world to see us.
The difference between us and our accusers must be grace. Grace must always triumph over our mistakes even when it is not reciprocated. For without the revelation of the saving grace of Jesus it will be impossible for a person to fully understand our position. Even when we are compelled to act in response to how we are treated, we must not fall victim to those carnal inclinations. Those that don’t understand will not be held to the same level of accountability as we will.
So, when we are labeled as judgmental, or worse, we must respond in a way that is in agreement with God’s word regardless of whether we are understood or not.
Luke 6:29 “If someone strikes you on one cheek turn to him the other also. And if someone takes your cloak, do not withhold your tunic as well.
John 18:23 NKJV Jesus replied, “If I said something wrong, testify to what was wrong. But if I spoke correctly, why did you strike Me?”