Okay. A quick clarification... I assure you I wasn't pulling or playing a card when I said I try to follow Jesus. That's why I added the disclaimer that I'm far from a perfect follower. The only reason I said that is because I don't want the focus to be on certain personalities or celebrities in the faith community.

Yes, the term Christian was first used in Antioch and Jesus never commanded anyone to call themselves a Christian. And...

Yes, many who self-identify as "Christian" today don't live like Christ .

And finally, I realize I'm under no divine call or "onus" to represent Christians. Lord knows I don't want to be some kind of stand-in for all Christians. I'm usually the one saying that we should treat each other as individuals - and be careful about labeling and lumping people.

I'm simply pointing out that the frequent, bitter vitriol that is poured out on this platform against Christians categorically grieves me. It grieves me because most of the Christians I know aren't guilty of the things so many Medium writers and commenters accuse them of.

It also grieves me because there are more than likely people reading Medium articles (and comments) who are seeking. They are on a journey. And they read all this vile hatred against Christians -- and some of them are liable to think "Wow, those Christians sound awful. I don't want to be a part of them." Now, if a person chooses not to be a Christian, that's up to them. I'm not trying to force anything on anyone. I just wish people would steer clear of the baseless, sweeping, and often slanderous generalizations.

I just wish people were kinder, gentler, and more loving all around.