They will know that we are Christians by our love…

The line above is part of a well known modern hymn that has been sung countless times in many churches across the world. Both in Catholic parishes and Protestant churches. It speaks of our unity and how we should love one another as Christ loves us.

If you were to see the nature of the endless debates between Protestants and Catholic. It would become clear that some have neglected to follow that message. You see this play out constantly. Especially on the various social media platforms. With a level of toxic venom coming across like a toxic stew that is often worse than that of a komodo dragon.

Such open contempt and hatred for anything related to the Catholic faith is by no means subtle. Often it is a direct attack on every aspect and foundation of who we are as believers in Christ. These attacks really serve no purpose other than to cause great harm to the Kingdom of God. With almost no good fruit coming from this. If anything it paints a very dramatic picture of how deep and wide the division really is.

What is perhaps the most tragic in all of this is that some feel overly justified in this level of open hatred. They see Catholics as members of the evil one’s army that are not worthy of any kind of respect. That Catholics do not even believe in the Bible let alone come close to following it. Yet if one dives into the Catholic faith with an unbiased mind. They will learn far more about what it means to be Catholic. Sadly, many, will not even make an honest attempt. Content to live in their own ignorance and pride.

To someone on the outside it can be overwhelming to see. These attacks being played out all the time. Random “Christians” feeling this need to bully and berate anything that even comes close to identifying as Catholic. With a level of zeal that would make even well known pastors James White or John MacArthur blush with envy. Yet such things do no produce good fruit. In fact it is an active poison that will destroy any hope of real evangelization in this current age.

If we claim to follow Christ. Then it means we have decided to honor Him in all ways. Our lives, even online, should be a reflection of this. We should not be engaging in activities that cause harm, bitterness, or even anger in those we come across. Instead our actions should be a reflection of our own personal repentance of our sins. Embracing the Gospels though mercy, compassion, and a level of charity that is often not afforded to us. Simply because we have picked up our Cross and will follow Christ. While not all Christians have such level of contempt. It is often the smaller voices that make the most noise.

When all is said and done. It is the words of Christ that gives us the best advice on how to handle such things:

John 13: 34-35

I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.

This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Perhaps it is time that we consider following this commandment more closely. -