Witnessing the Light, Not Dictating Morality
Sometimes, it feels like the church is being used to push certain moral beliefs on everyone, almost like it’s trying to tell the whole nation or even the world how to live. But that’s not what the church’s witness is supposed to be about. We aren’t called to dictate our morals or force others to live by our standards. Instead, we are meant to be witnesses of the light of the world—showing people the hope, love, and truth found in Jesus Christ by the way we live and treat others.
The Gospel Isn’t a Political Weapon
Recently, it’s become obvious that some right-wing zealots have distorted the message of Jesus. They take the gospel and twist it for their own agendas, often making it sound harsh or divisive. When they quote the Bible, they sometimes pull verses out of their original context and read them in a narrow, overly literal way. This isn’t fair to the true spirit of the gospel, which is about love, compassion, and forgiveness.
Missing the Heart of Jesus’ Teachings
What’s troubling is that, when you look closely, the approach of these groups doesn’t match what Jesus actually taught. The gospel isn’t a checklist of rules to enforce or a weapon to shame people who disagree. Jesus spent his time with those who were marginalized, showing kindness and challenging those who thought they were morally superior. His teachings invite us to be humble, loving, and open-hearted—not judgmental or self-righteous.
Being True Witnesses
As members of the church, our real calling is to reflect the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs hope and understanding. We do this best by living out the gospel, not by using it to control others or win arguments. That means listening, caring, and showing grace, even when it’s hard. Let’s remember that our witness is about embodying God’s love, not enforcing our opinions.
Minister A Francine Green | May 2026