By now you've certainly noticed (unless you live under a rock) that Christianity isn't looking so good lately. The ORU scandal, the Grassley investigation, Randy and Paula White, the Conan-obsessed priest. These are just a few of the instances where Christians are giving the world an excuse to not serve God.

I think that at the heart of all of these scandals is a real (or perceived) lack of genuineness. And that's what I'd like to open a discussion on today. There are some in this world that have the perception that Christians are gay-bashing Limbaugh listeners in the hip pocket of the GOP, and I can't say I blame them.

Which brings me my point.  We often hear the phrase "We've got to love them into the Kingdom." I see the thinking behind that statement, but I feel that the statement is, at it's core, completely in err. It should read more like this: "We've got to love them." That's it. No result needed - or expected.

Too often, we give love just so we can give the religious platitude. We want them to come to know Christ (an admirable goal, and one we hope to achieve in every one we know), but sometimes we show concern for people FOR THE EXPRESS purpose of sharing our faith, and that comes off as insincere, with ulterior motives. We have got to love people, no matter what. We've got to decide that we will love the lost, even if they choose to stay lost, and never put their faith in Christ.

Jesus didn't love people until they made a decision to accept Him or not. As He was being beaten, He loved. Spat upon. He loved. Mocked. He loved. Nailed to the cross. He loved. Denied thrice. He loved. Most of these men died without knowing the saving grace of God. Jesus still loved them.

That, my friends, is true love. That, my friends, will love them into the Kingdom.