I wonder though - what if the object of your affection was not Jesus, but Buddha, or Mohamed? Much of the same sticky-feely-love can be found in other cultures, cultures either unfamiliar with or un-engaged to the Christian Christ. If you had been born in Saudi Arabia, it is almost guaranteed that if you sought such feelings to the finish line, it would be toward another 'Christ' not Jesus - yet you would demand just as strongly that your God was proven to be superior to all others - that perhaps you were 'drawn to him' in the same way you believe you are to Jesus.
Its possible, yes - but I don't spend much time wondering about it, since I could be one of those people who hear about Christ, and leave my current faith for Him. But I believe I already said that I feel more kinship with those who are displaying the 'fruits of the spirit' - whether they be buddhist, islamist, jewish, christian, atheist, hindu - than with those who claim to be my brothers and sisters and yet show none of those fruits. And I would not knock someone for their faith, when they show love and kindness and humility and forgiveness toward all, regardless of whether it is my faith or not. Their faith is between them and God. Not them and me.
Of the atheists I know, all of them possess equal moral character to Christians.
Until I joined this forum, every atheist I have known has been arrogant and condescending and derisive and mocking toward any faith system. I can find that on this board as well. But it was LeavingWT who was the first atheist/agnostic who showed me that this was not true of all of them. Others quickly followed suit. I mention this only so you understand that while you might be surrounded by judgmental 'Christians' (this is your experience for the most part), there are people who are surrounded by judgmental 'atheists'. (this was my experience for the most part)
So while some of the virtues mentioned by Jesus are commendable, I believe mine to be equal or superior,
These are the virtues mentioned by Jesus:
Love your neighbor. Do no harm to others... more than that, take the initiative and do good to others. Give to anyone who asks of you. Care for the sick, the needy, the widows and orphans. Feed the hungry and clothe the poor. Forgive all who wrong you and repent of it. Judge no one; condemn no one. Love your enemies and bless (not curse) those who persecute you. Don't be a hypocrite, but practice what you preach. Be honest. Do not set yourself above anyone, but serve others in love and humility and kindness.
Above all, show mercy and love to all people - for there is no law against love.
If your virtues are equal or superior to these, Jeff, then all love and respect to you. You are more moral than most men and women - including me, for even though I strive for these, I don't always live up to them.
Peace to you,
Tammy
