Frederick Douglas and the Christianity of Christ
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In the Appendix to his Narrative, Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) shares:
…between the Christianity of this land, and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest, possible difference-
-so wide, that to receive the one as good, pure, and holy, is of necessity to reject the other as bad, corrupt, and
wicked. To be the friend of the one, is of necessity to be the enemy of the other. I love the pure, peaceable, and
impartial Christianity of Christ: I therefore hate the corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering,
partial and hypocritical Christianity of this land. Indeed, I can see no reason, but the most deceitful one, for
calling the religion of this land Christianity. I look upon it as the climax of all misnomers, the boldest of all
frauds, and the grossest of all libels.
Douglass draws a distinction between how Jesus instructs us to live and the evil of those who merely claim the
title of Christian and live otherwise. While anyone can claim to be a Christian, Jesus specified that the way to
demonstrate a genuine commitment to Him before others is to love others like He loves.
John 13:34-3
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this
everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Write a 250-word response on the how loving others like Christ loves evidences a genuine commitment to
follow Christ?
Sample Solution
Loving others like Christ loves is the ultimate demonstration of a genuine commitment to follow Him. By following and practicing Jesus’ teachings, we can model our lives after His example and show that we are true disciples. When we love our neighbor as ourselves, seek justice in the world, and choose compassion over judgement, people begin to recognize us as Jesus’ followers. Additionally, when we act out of love towards those around us rather than hate or indifference, it sets an example for others and shows how far-reaching God’s love is.
Additionally, loving like Christ loves changes our hearts—we become more compassionate people who strive to make life better for everyone around us instead of just seeking power and control over others. We start viewing our neighbors with empathy while showing kindness even to those whom society may deem “unlovable” or unworthy of grace and forgiveness. This kind of selfless behavior is evident throughout scripture—from Jesus washing the feet of his disciples to Paul’s plea for Christians to “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).
Ultimately, when we genuinely commit to following Christ by loving others in His likeness, it demonstrates a willingness on our part not only to adhere to His commands but also be willing vessels through which He works in this world for good (Romans 8:28). Loving like Christ loves is a living expression that testifies that faith without works is dead (James 2:17)—and proof that God’s unconditional love triumphs all evil forces in this world today.