Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian liturgical year was February 18. I came home from church that evening and tried to wash the smear of ash from my forehead and thumb. Funny thing is that, like sin itself, the stain is still on my thumb. It serves as a visible reminder that sin is always present, and I stand in constant need of forgiveness.

 As a matter of personal choice, I limit my intake of broadcast news and chose some time ago not to take part in social media. I find that most of streaming news caters to its select audience with little regard for the traditional journalistic commitment to objectivity. Social media appears to be full of ugly, biased, and hate-filled language and opinions. Sadly, much of the vilest opinions and language come from folks who profess to be Christian. There is precious little of the love of Christ in what poses as Christianity in many of our churches and a sad and frightening commitment to a political agenda that has no basis in the life and teachings of Jesus. (In case we have forgotten, Christianity is supposed to be about Jesus.)

 Proof-texting is the practice of arriving at a decision and then scouring the Bible to find a reference that supports that preconceived notion. It is an all-too-common practice that has found a home in our politics as well as our churches. Proof-texting allows us to justify the most atrocious acts of violence and prejudice perpetrated on anyone who does not look like us or has a different ethnic background. I will never be convinced that one can claim faith in Christ and hate a sister or brother created in God’s image.

 This is biblical truth not proof-texting. If you need a scriptural reference, take a look at 1 John 4:20. Clearly stated is the fact that one cannot love God and hate a brother or sister. But we do it all the time. Before you accuse me of proof-texting, please take the time to examine the entire life and teaching of Jesus as presented in the gospels. Don’t just listen to preachers, (did I say that?), or so-called religious leaders. Pick up the Bible for yourself and take the time to read the narratives of Jesus’ life and ministry. Read the Sermon on the Mount, the stories of compassionate healing, and sacrificial living. One cannot love Jesus and support a political climate that destroys the “least of these.” It is not just bad theology, it is evil.

 I would suggest that when we hear a pastor or politician or read a social media post that purports a political agenda by citing biblical proofs that we examine that comment in the light of these words of Jesus:

“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40 italics added)

 This needs to be the basic interpretive tool we use when we hear a political position being supported by a reference to scripture. This is an appropriate response when interpreting both Old and New Testament texts. Jesus said, “law and prophets.” This clearly includes the Old Testament. This isn’t proof-texting. These words need to be the guiding principle by which we live and treat others.

 My thumb still retains the vestiges of ash from Ash Wednesday. It reminds me that I sin and live in a world of sinners. There is both individual and corporate sin. As a nation we profess to be “one nation under God.” It is grievous sin to say those words and practice hate.