"Prince of Peace" painting by Akiane Kramarik

Many people in our society often drop Jesus’ name. A lot of them say they have dedicated their lives to following his teachings, that their worldview and personal philosophy come from this guy. Theoretically, our country and community should be filled with selflessness and love.

Is there a disconnect between what Jesus stood for and what Christianity today stands for?

“Love the Lord . . . love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”

So, a country where major polls are saying that 70 to 80 percent of the people claim to follow this Jesus should be a very love-filled place.

But there seems to be a lot of hatred out there. Shockingly so. One gets upset, and rather than going to the forgiveness-and-loving-your-neighbor response, goes to the directing-anger-towards-an-entire-group-of-people response.

Jesus made a point to go out of his way to talk with those of other races, to visit with those who did not believe exactly as he did, to befriend tax collectors, to show compassion for, minister to and serve anyone and everyone: prostitutes, children, diseased, mentally ill, anyone.

“I have not come to condemn the world.”

It seems like I have heard some condemnation coming from those who supposedly follow and represent Jesus.

If I may suggest, the next time you are tempted to speak against someone because they are too poor, too rich, too young, too old, too diseased, too perfect, too Republican, too Democrat, too dark, too light, too gay, too country, too urban, employed by the government, because they don’t speak the same language as you, believe as you do, dress like you, keep the same routine as you or whatever your prejudice is, to just shut your mouth or don’t type it—instead, pause and reflect on the concept of loving your neighbor, especially those who are different than you.

“Judge not.”

Furthermore, what if you were to approach this individual who is different from you with an attitude of compassion and servitude, rather than trying to prove to them how much better your lifestyle is than theirs, how much smarter you are than them, and find out how you can serve them and help them? It may be a rewarding experience for both parties.

Sometimes, people respond to kindness, a smile, love and pure intentions with kindness, love, a smile and pure intentions.

It is only logical to expect bitterness, condemnation and the desire for control to be met with the same.

Let’s try the love thing. Give it a real shot, and if it doesn’t work, maybe then go another direction as a society. But I’d be curious to see what the world would be like if 70 percent of the people operated from a place of love, not condemnation.

Speaking of Jesus, I understand that he and his disciples enjoyed fish. If you are in the mood for fish, I encourage you to venture to the Fish House on Bridge Avenue. Here, you will find a miraculous one-pound fish sandwich that contains enough fried fish to feed the multitudes. Read more about this fine Murfreesboro establishment, as well as lots of other art, entertainment and culture information, in the following pages.

Peace,
Bracken Mayo 
Editor in Chief