Megan Briggs wrote an article about GuideStar, “a site that reports on the integrity of charities.” Last month, GuideStar decided to label 50 organizations as “hate groups.” Briggs reports that this action resulted in “unprecedented pushback.” I found the information discomforting in two ways.
First, some of the organizations categorized as “hate groups” are “Christian affiliated groups.” This is because they are vocal about their position on some moral-ethical issues that does not align with the current popular sentiment. “Hate group” is quite an extreme denigration of an entity with which one disagrees. Disagreement, even passionate disagreement, does not necessarily mean hate. A person may denounce the perspective or behavior of another as wrong or unacceptable without desiring or intending harm upon that other person.
There are certain patterns of behavior that do not align with the gospel or biblical principles. For one to speak out against such behavior does not automatically constitute hate. True biblical rebuke is always meant for restoration, not destruction. The apostle Paul exhorts believers: “If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6.1 NIV1).
Second, the “unprecedented pushback” against GuideStar came in two forms. One form was a letter to GuideStar from some Christian leaders “articulating their concerns with the labeling.” Another form is reflected in this statement: “a significant amount of the feedback we’ve received in recent days has shifted from constructive criticism to harassment and threats directed at our staff and leadership.” I pray that none of these threats originate from Christians. If this were so, then it would be an epic fail. Harassing and making threats against those who call us hateful serve only to confirm the accusation. I must admit that some rhetoric against unbiblical behavior can get pretty unbiblical themselves. Sadly, these are the ones that tend to get more attention in the public square. We need to become more intentional in heeding the call to a firm yet gentle approach.
The gospel does not hesitate to name the true condition of humanity, in disagreement with humanity’s self-assessment. We are sinners deserving of punishment. At the same time, the gospel also proclaims that in Jesus there is restoration and renewal. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3.17 NIV). No hate there; none whatsoever.
—Keith Y. Jainga