“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
-1 Timothy 2:1-4, ESV

Being Christians essentially means that we ought to be decent towards one another, even when we’re angry with each other.

One thing that drives me crazy about Christianity is that nobody hates religious people more than religious people. It is so obvious that people from different denominations, and even within their own denominations, are willing to say and do some of the most unkind, indecent things because they disagree over some doctrinal issue.

We have to remember that to be a Christian means to understand that every human being is loved by God, that every human being deserves to be treated decently, and that every human being deserves dignity. We have to learn that. If we forget that, nothing else matters.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for loving me. Thank you for loving us all. May nothing – especially petty differences and disagreements – stand between you and those who desperately need your love and dignity. Amen.

Reflection: Have you ever been affected by petty differences regarding our faith? If yes, describe.