Today I had just pulled out of my driveway, when two stickers on the vehicle in front of me caught my eye. At a quick glance, the only words I saw were “Jesus” and “religion”. After checking the speedometer and rear-view mirror, I figured I’d read the words that were plastered on the back of his window. The first one I read was:

“Freedom from religion.”

My first thought? “I’m not one for religion either. I’m more of the relationship kind of gal.” Moving on, I read the next sticker, which said:

“Have you forgot about Jesus? Maybe it’s time you did.”

My reaction can be summed up in one word — anger. I felt so offended and hurt. You know, the type where it’s a good thing that we were in separate vehicles; not because I would explode on him, but because I wouldn’t be able to hide my rising temper.

And then it hit me. Out of nowhere the anger was gone, but what was given to me in return was compassion. I then began to grieve for the driver of the vehicle. I began to think about the misunderstanding or hurt that “religion” had caused him somewhere down the line. Because of this pain, he was pushing away the greatest love that ever existed.

 Soon afterward, I began to think about Love himself, and how His heart must also grieve (1,000+ my own). How He must feel to know that somewhere in life, this man was given the wrong impression or idea of Love. All this man wanted, was to forget about Love, and he made it known to everyone around him.

This should be a wakeup call to anyone who bears the title “Christian”. Are we showing God’s love how it was meant to be shown? Are we pushing away the people who need Love most? Are we making people wish they could just “forget about Love”?