Until recently, Christians have largely failed to live Christ�s love when it comes to AIDS victims. In the not-too-distant past, prominent Christians have said things like:
"AIDS is the wrath of a just God against homosexuals. To oppose it would be like an Israelite jumping in the Red Sea to save one of Pharaoh's charioteers."
"AIDS is not just God's punishment for homosexuals; it is God's punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals."
"AIDS is a just retribution for improper sexual misconduct."
Many of these claims have been ignorant of the fact that the "average" face of AIDS today is a young woman in Africa. With our actions, we've often insinuated that if people would stop sinning, AIDS would no longer be an issue. In doing this we have ignored the cultural barriers that exist in some countries, the real causes and spread of HIV that extends beyond sex out of wedlock, and have ignored the heart that God calls us to have for all of his creation. Not to mention that if each of us stopped sinning, a lot of other issues would be solved more wholly than AIDS.
In the last few years a number of churches and Christian organizations have started to make significant strides, offering both educational opportunities and practical steps for individuals to personally partner with those affected. For this, we corporately rejoice. But individually, we must each examine our own hearts and assumptions.
Take some time to confess in your heart. Confession simply means "telling God the truth." What is in your heart toward AIDS victims in the world? Here in the USA? Be honest with God about your heart and let him give you his heart. A heart that found compassion for the Samaritan woman, forgiveness for the adulterous woman, and new mercy for each of our lives every day.
Organizations that are offering great resources:
Compassion has long been involved in helping the orphaned and poverty-stricken child. The link above reminds us that every 14 seconds a child is orphaned by AIDS. They now also offer the
AIDS initiative, offering "comprehensive and holistic services that allow us to proactively fight this widespread disease one child at a time."
Samaritan's Purse
Known around the world for their relief efforts, World Vision has excelled in AIDS response particularly targeted at youth and young adults. Their
One Life Revolution, which has just wrapped up, brought AIDS to the eyes and hearts of thousands of youth groups in America. Their most recent effort with college students,
Acting on AIDS, is mobilizing thousands more on campuses all across the US to participate in World AIDS Day and other initiatives. They also have a
moving multimedia site that tells the story of two children affected by the AIDS pandemic.
The Chapel decided several years ago at the beginning of our Fresh Passion campaign that we wanted HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention to be at the heart of what we would be involved in. In Mozambique we partner with two villages where AIDS is a real, present, and prevalent problem. India, our other Fresh Passion focus, while having a much lower prevalence (percentage of the population that's infected) still has a significant number of people infected due to their exploding population. More can be seen and read about
Fresh Passion on this site.
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