Some Pharisees saw this and asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such people?" Matthew 9:11, GNT

 

I was amazed to read about research, based on the 2022 census, which showed that South Africa is one of only three countries in the world where it was possible to statistically prove growth in the Christian faith. The census does have a margin of error due to the fact that it was conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic, but according to the researchers, it is still accurate enough to trust the results.

 

A total of 85% of South Africans called themselves Christians. Add to that other religions that also follow an ethical and moral way of living, and our country should be one of the safest and most corruption-free places in the world. Why, then, my amazement?

 

I, unfortunately, love to read newspapers and watch different news channels on TV. Violence, murder, bribery, lies, thievery and many more are front-page news every day. I am an anachronism when it comes to the use of social media. Except for WhatsApp, I am not involved in any other social media, but my children are, and they tell me how very crude and without love some people can be in what they share on social media. All of these negative things do not correspond with a population where only 2,9% said they do not have any religious affiliation.

 

Somewhere, there was a big mistake by either the census or the research, or maybe a lot of people misunderstood the great commandment of love. The Pharisees in the time of Jesus were very religious, but looked askance at Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners. Unheard of! God’s love for the world and the love among people did not feature very much in their everyday lives.

 

And I? I am one of the 85%. Can other people see something of the love of God in me or is there also a hint of a hidden Pharisee within me? Only God and I will really know.

 

Prayer: Our heavenly Father, please help me to show so much love towards others that they will see something of your love in me. Amen