Christianity Has An Image Problem

"Christianity has an image problem..." is one of the main points of the new book I'm reading entitled "unChristian What a new generation thinks about Christianity ...and why it matters". That's a bold statement.

And the thing is there's tons of data to back that assertion up. I'm only through the first 2 chapters, but it's been eye opening to hear how people perceive Christianity, which is based on their dealings with Christians. You'd think the terms "love, grace, forgiveness" would be top on the list right? But it's more like "hypocrite, fake and judgmental". I don't think you'd hear people using those words to describe Jesus, so why does it describe us? Plain and simple, we're not following Jesus very well. And I'll be the first to admit I'm great at being fake and judgmental, and not great at loving and forgiving. And that's not something to be proud of, nor continue to do. I'm asking Jesus to give me his heart, his eyes and his mouth. I want to be describe with words like "compassionate, caring and joyful".

Father help me to love like you love. Forgive like you forgive. Show mercy and grace like you do. Help me be the image of Christ that you have planned for me to be. Help your church become the people you want us to be...