avatarHenery X

Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of actively opposing injustice and loving one's neighbor as oneself, as taught in the Bible, particularly in Romans 13:9 and John 4:20, ESV.

Abstract

The piece, titled "Reality Check: We Can’t Lie To God," delves into the moral imperative to combat injustice and the inadequacy of mere words without corresponding actions. It challenges readers to consider if they possess enough compassion to contribute to the welfare of others, drawing a parallel between financial wealth and moral riches. The author, Henery X, asserts that silence in the face of violence equates to complicity and that true love for God is manifested through love for one another. Referencing biblical commandments, the article underscores that all of God's commandments culminate in the directive to love one's neighbor as oneself. It calls for accountability to God's word, suggesting that failing to stand against injustice is akin to endorsing it. The article concludes by reiterating the opening quote about injustice and the necessity of being part of the solution, not the problem, and it acknowledges various individuals for their inspiration.

Opinions

  • The author believes that when it comes to injustice, neutrality is not an option; one must actively contribute to the solution.
  • Compassion is likened to wealth, and the author questions whether individuals would be willing to "spend" their moral wealth to ensure another day for someone else.
  • Remaining silent during times of injustice is seen as an acceptance of the status quo and a failure to act as a savior by simply speaking out.
  • Hatred is scrutinized as a possible result of personal grievances or a lack of understanding of our interconnectedness as human beings.
  • The article emphasizes the sanctity of life and time, suggesting that nothing surpasses their importance and divine nature.
  • It is stated that God's commandments, including not committing adultery, murder, theft, or coveting, are encapsulated by the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself.
  • The author argues that selective adherence to God's word is not genuine faith and that inaction against injustice is equivalent to committing the act itself.
  • The piece concludes with the author's belief in the universal fatherhood of God and the siblinghood of humanity, supported by Ephesians 4:6, KJV.

Reality Check

We Can’t Lie To God

Photo courtesy of author, Henery X

“When it comes to injustice, there is no middle ground. You’re either a part of the solution or you’re a part of the problem.”

I ask you to ask yourself,

if your compassion was your wealth.

Would you have enough to pay,

to see another day,

if it meant you’d have to give a specified amount away?

Or are you so morally poor,

that you wouldn’t be able to find a penny, not even at your deepest core?

We say a lot,

but our actions show what we need to say not.

To remain silent,

when times become violent.

Is acceptance of such behavior,

especially when all we have to do is speak against it to be regarded as a savior.

If you hate, why is this so?

Is it because the person is someone you know?

Is it because someone refuses to pay you the money that they owe?

Or is it because you don’t have a clue,

that you are me, and I am you?

We must instill this fact in our mind,

that nothing is more important than life and time,

we can search but we’ll never find,

a duo that is so much more divine.

The word of God says for the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Romans 13:9, ESV

When it comes to the word of God, we can’t be selective and then expect not to be held fully accountable for such an act. If we believe in the word of God, then we must show this via our actions. To not speak/stand against injustice is equivalent to committing the act itself, and this is a practice that God does not condone, under any circumstance.

Before, as well as after, we pick up a Bible or confess that we love God, let us first refer back to Romans 13:9, ESV, along with this Bible verse as well: “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” John 4:20, ESV.

And for the record, here's my belief when it comes to us and God: “We call God by many names, but He answers us all the same: “I am your Father, you are my children, and you are all siblings.” And one last Bible verse that confirms my belief is, Ephesians 4:6, KJV: “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

So, let’s revisit the beginning of this piece:

“When it comes to injustice, there is no middle ground. You’re either a part of the solution or you’re a part of the problem.”

I ask you to ask yourself,

if your compassion was your wealth.

Would you be able to pay,

to see another day,

if it meant you’d have to give a specified amount away?

Or are you so morally poor,

that you wouldn’t be able to find a penny, not even at your deepest core?

We can lie to ourselves, but we can’t lie to God, nor can we lie to those who see the truth due to our actions or a lack thereof. If we don’t stand/speak against injustice, we’re no better than those responsible for its presence.

May our words continue to inspire others, and may we continue to be inspired by the words of others.

Selma Amy Marley Michele Thill Gurpreet Dhariwal Sandra Szubert Athif Ibrahim Sumera Rizwan Aurora Eliam, CMP Soulful Itumeleng KeepingItRealWithAnnick Jeff Hanlon Suzanne V. Tanner Charlotte Zobeir Ali Kathryn A. LeRoy, Ph.D. Annelise Lords Noma Dek Karen Madej 💛 FILZA CHAUDHRY Sylvia Love Johnson NaNa'sworld Keno Ogbo Carolyn Riker Lori Brown

God
Truth
Justice
Love
Illumination
Recommended from ReadMedium