I was almost in tears as I read the story headlined “Starbucks’ plain red cups irk an Arizona minister” (Herald, Nov. 10.) I have been a Jesus follower for almost 40 years, and as a Christian I am called to live in such a way that, as the Bible says, I will be an “ambassador for Christ” to those who do not know him. As Christians, we are also instructed to “speak the truth in love,” and that “as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with one another.”
To call Christians to join in a nationwide campaign promoting animosity, trickery and deliberate provocation in the name of Jesus is heartbreaking and totally misrepresentative of who Jesus is, what he did and what he taught.
Jesus told his followers, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” I would like to suggest that everyone who is truly concerned about Jesus becoming marginalized in American culture will skip “tricking” Starbucks into putting “Merry Christmas” on their cup and instead represent him to our communities in the way that he taught us to – with love.
Mary Grizzard
Durango
