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What is the responsibility of Christians?
My sense is that the Bible gives direction in helping those with AIDS. Christianity teaches that all are sinners saved by grace. No person has done anything to gain God’s favor and therefore nobody has any reason to believe himself or herself to be better than those who have made unwise choices and decisions. The urge to be judgmental must be resisted.
The Christian also has a responsibility to eliminate the spread of inaccurate information. It is this inaccurate information that prevents people from becoming involved. An apt reminder of this responsibility is the story of the Good Samaritan who willingly helped a man who was in desperate need. Jesus taught that those who render assistance to those in need render assistance to Him (See Matthew 25: 31-46).
When commanding His disciples to preach the gospel throughout the world, Jesus also instructed them not to fear deadly things (See Mark 16: 15-18). This implies that, while AIDS is the result of a deadly virus, it is wrong to fear contact with those who have it or to discriminate against them. Furthermore, it is important to discuss with our children the mode of transmission of the HIV virus and other sexually transmitted diseases. The increase in adolescent AIDS cases mandates more action to prevent the spread of this disease.
No one knows how widespread the AIDS epidemic will become. One thing is certain, though: the AIDS problem will not go away. Thousands with the disease will desperately need love, hope, and compassion. The church should lead the way as an example of love and truth. Now is the time for the church to be informed of the truth about AIDS. Unjustified condemnation, fear, and prejudice regarding those with AIDS must be eliminated. The world will be a better place if the church plays its role in ministering to this segment of society in desperate need of love and compassion.
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Thuputu Nyekha
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