Godscrum #13 by Zeke consisted mainly of an interview with Sandy Johns of In Jesus Name which I have called "Kindness In Jesus" in 1, 2 previous posts.
I thought that I would discuss some of my thoughts and impressions of their interview, in preparation for my interview with Sandy coming up this Saturday. Maybe blogging will help focus my thoughts.
I'd first like to blog about the under-stated by often repeated refrain during Godscrum#13: "Surprise."
It might have been easy to over-look, but it came up over and over in Sandy and Zeke's discussion ... the recipients were universally surprised that someone would show kindness in the name of Jesus. The implications of their surprise is simply that the commonly held perceptions of those that proclaim the name of Jesus is one of a person that doesn't look for opportunities to simply be kind to their fellow man.
Think
about
that.
Zeke:[Was that the first outreach (to the homeless) that you guys did?]
Sandy:[... it is so meaningful to us, personally, to give these gifts away and to see the reaction on people's faces ... they are surprised across the board. ... people are surprised when you do something for them and don't ask for anything in return. Because in American culture you don't just get something for nothing, and neither do you in the church.]
Why shouldn't they be surprised. The norm is for Christians to disdain and run-down people that they think have unacceptable behavior.
I would be surprised if I were them ...
In short, Christians are (in general) a living slander upon the Lord and His unconditional love!
My commandment to you is to love those who have wronged you and forgive them, starting with your own self; and be patient with those whom you have wronged. ~ Jesus [Letters from God and His Christ - Volume 6 - Bear Fruit According to the Spirit of Truth]