I grew up in a loving Christian home with an open-minded family. My dad never pushed religion on my sister and I, which gave us the opportunity to seek it or run away from it. I grew up in a conservative small town, which most of the people went to church, and rarely lived up to the expectations they set for others. As I got older I found myself running further away from church and even though it wasn't my attention I ran from God, because I was afraid I would be that Christian. I was so afraid I'd hurt people with the words that were created to fix people. I found my way to the lord last year and I promised myself I would be the type of christian that inspires and not the christian I grew to be afraid of. So here's my request to all Christians don't be that christian.

Don't be that Christian that quotes the Bible but doesn't quote the lessons. The Bible can be interpreted so many ways. Follow those scriptures but what is really important is you never forget Jesus taught love and forgiveness. Those lessons right there can move mountains, they can heal broken misguided hearts, and they can open doors you never thought could open. Give that to someone be the Christian that gives love and forgiveness out.

Don't be that Christian forgets all sins are equal. "Matthew 12:31-32 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come." Don't be the Christian that feels because they go to church or don't sin "as bad". It means you have the right to make someone else feel that their sins are worse than yours. In different parts of the bible it restates a sin is a sin. Romans 3:23 states "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard." Everyone sins and it's not our job to cast a stone at those who sin differently than you. Our job is to take those lessons that Jesus taught. We move mountains for those people, we heal broken hearts, and we open doors for people who may be lost.

Don't be that Christian that judges. It's not your job as a Christian. Matthew 7:1-2 states “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." If you do not want to be judged you should not judge those who have different lives than you. You do not have to agree with the way people live their lives, but it is not your job to cast your judgments.

Don't be that Christian that scares off the poor confused soul begging to find a life full of meaning. When I finally accepted the lord as my savior I realized I did not have to change my views or anything about myself. I just had to be better and that love made me want to be better. I am still flawed, I sin everyday, and I still stumble, but the love I feel deep in my soul is real. Everyone should feel that connected to something and no one should feel above the lessons we are taught. No one should use the word of God to crush someone's faith. Love those who live differently. You are supposed to love everyone.

Be that Christian who doesn't forget that sins are all equal, that never judges, and the type that doesn't scare those who are skeptical away. Be the Christian that welcomes those who walk different paths in. Be the Christian that inspires people to walk the same path as you. Be the Christian that lives their life how Jesus would want you to. So, Be that Christian that loves everyone, forgives, and changes the world for those who need it. Live your life in such a way people want to follow in your footsteps.