Understanding Why and How We Can Do Better
Let’s face it: nobody’s perfect, no matter what they believe. But when people who call themselves Christians act in ways that seem mean-spirited, unfair, or divisive—especially when it comes to race, religion, and politics—it can leave a lot of folks scratching their heads. Isn’t Christianity supposed to be about love, compassion, and treating others the way you’d want to be treated? What happens when Christians fall short of these ideals? Let’s talk about it in simple, straightforward terms.
What Does It Mean to “Behave Badly”?
When we say someone is “behaving badly,” we’re not talking about making small mistakes or being less than perfect now and then. We’re talking about actions that hurt others, create division, or go against the basic teachings of kindness and respect. This could include things like:
· Making hurtful comments about people from different backgrounds
· Refusing to help those in need because they believe differently
· Using their faith to justify discrimination or hate
· Getting so caught up in politics that they forget to be decent to others
Race, Religion, and Politics: Why Do These Topics Cause Trouble?
Race, religion, and politics are big, emotional subjects. They touch on who we are, what we believe, and how we see the world. That’s why it can get heated—even among people who are supposed to be on the same team.
· Race: Talking about race can make people uncomfortable, especially if it means looking at unfairness that still exists. Sometimes Christians have been slow to stand up against racism, or have even contributed to it, even though the Bible says everyone is created equal and loved by God.
· Religion: Some Christians can get defensive or unfriendly toward people of other faiths, forgetting that their own faith calls for loving their neighbors—regardless of what they believe.
· Politics: When faith and politics mix, it can get ugly. Instead of listening and finding common ground, people sometimes focus on “winning” or proving their side is right, even if it means putting others down or ignoring the needs of the vulnerable.
Why Does This Happen?
People are people—imperfect and flawed. Sometimes, Christians act badly for the same reasons anyone else does:
· They’re scared of what’s different or new
· They’ve grown up with certain ideas and haven’t questioned them
· They’re more focused on rules and labels than on love and understanding
· They might feel their way of life or beliefs are under attack
It’s important to remember that “Christian” isn’t a badge of perfection. It’s supposed to mean someone is trying to follow Jesus, who taught about loving your neighbor, forgiving others, and standing up for the poor and oppressed. But sometimes, even well-meaning people lose sight of those teachings.
Examples of Christians Behaving Badly
History and current events are full of instances where Christians have missed the mark. For example:
· During the Civil Rights Movement, some churches opposed racial equality, even though the message of Christianity is one of universal love and acceptance.
· At times, Christians have looked down on people from other religions or no religion, treating them as outsiders rather than neighbors.
· In the world of politics, some Christians have used their faith to justify harsh policies or to attack those with opposing viewpoints, rather than seeking to help all people.
These aren’t just mistakes—they can cause real harm and turn people away from faith altogether.
Why Is This a Problem?
When Christians act in ways that don’t match up with the core principles of their faith, it can have serious consequences:
· It can drive people away from churches and from faith in general.
· It hurts those who are already struggling or marginalized.
· It makes Christianity look hypocritical, as if it’s more about judging others than helping them.
· It can even make communities more divided and less willing to work together.
What Does the Bible Say?
You don’t have to be a Bible expert to know that the central message is one of love and compassion. Here are a few simple reminders:
· “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) That means everyone, not just people like you.
· “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Luke 6:31) The “Golden Rule” is about treating others with respect.
· “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) In other words, no one is better or worse than anyone else.
How Can Christians Do Better?
No one is asking for perfection. The goal is simply to try a little harder to live up to the ideals of kindness, fairness, and understanding. Here are a few ways to get there:
· Listen more, judge less. Be willing to hear other perspectives, especially from people who don’t look, act, or believe like you do.
· Stand up against injustice. Whether it’s racism, religious discrimination, or political bullying, Christians are called to speak out for what’s right.
· Focus on common ground. When talking about politics or other tough issues, look for shared values instead of just arguing.
· Remember humility. Everyone makes mistakes. Admitting when you’re wrong and asking for forgiveness goes a long way.
· Practice real compassion. That means helping people, not just talking about it or judging from a distance.
It’s Not Just Christians—But They Have a Special Responsibility
Truth is, people of every faith (and no faith) mess up. But because Christianity has such a big presence—especially in certain countries—when Christians behave badly, it gets noticed. That means there’s an even greater responsibility to act with kindness and integrity.
A Few Encouraging Stories
It’s worth mentioning that there are plenty of Christians who are working hard to make things better:
· Churches that welcome refugees and people from all backgrounds
· Christians who march for civil rights and stand up against racism
· Faith groups that run food banks, shelters, and programs for those in need—without asking about religion or politics
These actions don’t always make the news, but they’re happening every day—and they’re what Christianity is really supposed to be about.
Final Thoughts: Moving Forward Together
At the end of the day, “behaving badly” isn’t about one group or another—it’s something we all struggle with. But for Christians, the challenge is to keep coming back to the basics: love, kindness, and standing up for what’s right. When conversations about race, religion, and politics get tense, we can all take a breath, listen to each other, and try to treat everyone the way we’d want to be treated.
Here’s to building a world where faith is shown by action, not just words—and where everyone, no matter their race, religion, or politics, is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 