It breaks my heart, literally grieves my spirit, when people claim to be followers of Jesus but, under the banner of his name, spew distaste, hatred, contempt for other persons, stereotypes, groups, etc.
People matter to God; therefore, they ought to matter to us, too… ALL OF THEM, regardless of whether we agree with them, like what they do, what we think of their values, principles or logic and regardless of how they think of or treat others. We don’t have to like what they do or approve of their values or behavior (and we shouldn’t), but we are commanded to love them and our love for them exhibits the difference between professing Jesus and possessing Him.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
Matthew 5:43-47 (ESV)
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
Minimizing me...making much of Jesus 