Last night Cheryl and I watched a movie we had never seen before: Hawaii, made in 1966, based on a James Michener novel. It had a lot of big names in it: Julie Andrews, Max von Sydow, Richard Harris, Gene Hackman and Carrol O’Conner. It tells the story of a group of Calvinist missionaries who went to Hawaii in 1820 to convert the Hawaiians to Christianity.

I have to say the movie was quite depressing. For the most part, the missionaries are portrayed as non-merciful, legalistic and even mean-spirited. They speak of grace and love, but don’t show either in their interactions with the Hawaiian people. They even tell the Hawaiian prince who had converted to Christianity that he could never be ordained as a minister because he was not white.  As I said, it was very depressing.

We watched the entire movie, and while I did not enjoy it, I was reminded of how vital it is that we show the love of God to the world in which we live. Christians are often viewed by the world the same way they were depicted in this movie: condemning, law-oriented people who look down on those who are not part of “us.” This characterization is too often an accurate description of the way we act. Take an honest look at yourself. If you see someone living a lifestyle that is not in keeping with your belief system, are you more likely to give a disapproving glare or will you try to be kind and loving to that individual?

If we follow the example of our Lord Jesus, we will show love to everyone. Everyone. Even (or should I say especially) those who don’t believe in Him. Sure, Christians need to love each other (Galatians 6:10), but we need to be showing God’s love to those outside our fellowship.

I know the law condemns sin and rightly so. I’m not saying sin should be accepted. But the law won’t save anyone. And it will often drive people away. If you want to share your faith with someone, if you want to let them know about Jesus as their Savior from sin and death, the first thing you must do is love them. Especially those people with whom you disagree. Remember what Jesus said in his Sermon on the Mount:  “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:43–44).

Think about how God dealt with a fallen, sinful world. You know the passage.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

God did not say, “Straighten up your act and then I’ll love you and save you.” No, He loved first, acted in love to save us, and invites us to receive what Jesus already earned for us.

As someone who has experienced God’s love in Christ, someone who knows you have been forgiven for His sake and have eternal life because of what He did in your place, I hope you will join me in this prayer:

Lord, help me to show your love to the world around me, that they may know Jesus as I do, and put their trust in Him. Amen.