We are Christian, and for us that means we are followers of Christ. And Christ’s example was one of love. One of brotherhood. And, yes, one of Godliness.

But I think many Christians choose only the Godliness aspect {I have to be righteous and do what’s right and hold others to that standard, as well}, neglecting to remember that God’s greatest commandment for us is to love, as was Jesus’ main example.

So much of that gets lost in our judging/oppressing others, and it’s sad. How is that showing Jesus to those who don’t know him? Would they even want to know him if that’s the kind of God they think He is? What kind of light are we being? How dare we hate when God called us to love?

As to the “f” words he uses, as a composition minor myself in college, we use words to place emphasis. The words reflect and emphasize the point he wishes to make. Hypocrisy in the true church. Who of us has not, at one time or another, experienced it, seen it and even committed it? He does not “use the Lord’s name in vain” in his “swearing”. He uses socially objectionable language, not language that is prohibited by God.

I wish there were more people who truly saw what the “church” of today has become and cared enough to speak out about it – not against it – for, as in everything else, the goal is to bring them BACK to what Christ intended for “them”(the church) to be, not to judge them.

Kudos. May we start giving our attention to allowing ourselves to be changed by the truth, beauty, holiness, power and love of Jesus – thereby becoming Christians who draw others to Him. Like the ones that drew me and, possibly you too.

The poem is a thought kicker (maybe a butt kicker?) isn’t it? The part about the abortion clinic grabbed you. I’m not sure what grabbed me the most but I certainly felt my initial attitude of resistance soften as I listened. I too get sick at heart at how Christians make Jesus look bad in the eyes of those who need Him. And I’m sadly experienced at some of that myself. What provoked my writing was your comment on hugging the girls at the back door. The vast majority of those having abortions pay a big price psychologically for the rest of their lives although many will never allow it to be known. After the hug, look her in the eyes and say, “If anything about this keeps eating at you and you can’t stop it, will you keep this and call me? I’m praying for you.” Hand her a coffee shop gift card with your name and contact info (Facebook,etc.) on it. And really pray, don’t forget. How’s that for compassion?

If this is the perspective you have (“Who is this guy to point out sin in the lives of others?”), it seems to suggest that no one but Jesus (the only sinless man) is good enough to offer you reproof or correction (I really hope that’s not the case). If this video left you feeling challenged and uncomfortable (as it did me), maybe you should probe a little more deeply as to why. But it’s far easier, faster, and requires less self-critical introspection to just call him a judgemental, self-righteous Pharisee.

(By the way, one could view your claim that “I could never honestly recite anything like this because my sin is just as wicked and disgusting in the eyes of an infinitely holy God as the crusaders or “legalist abortion picketers” as being self-righteous by your own argument.)

I see him as acknowledging sin in the church (his own sin most certainly among those he mentions) and apologizing for his active or passive complicity in it.

I enjoyed hearing that. We all need to take a look in the mirror every once in a while.