⁶ “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?

Isaiah 58:6 NKJV

What is the most basic fundamental of our faith in the Lord? Is it to despise and hate others? It’s certainly not to do that because the Lord repeatedly said to love others. The Lord never commanded anybody to despise one whose skin color is different. God never commanded anyone to hate one who speaks a different language. Even more, God commanded to the children of Israel that the foreigners who lived among them were not supposed to be mistreated but to be treated as a citizen (Lev. 19:33-34).

So, it bothers me a great deal to see so-called “Christians” that move against others because they look differently, talk differently, or come from another land. Why does that bother me? Because mistreating someone who is different than you goes against the basic fundamental of faith in Christ. So many are walking through the church doors, opening a bible, reading scripture, and then leaving the church acting in a manner that goes against God’s word.

The Lord said to the children of Israel in this scripture to cut out the “special traditions”, like fasting, and get back to the basics of faith. What good would fasting have done for them if they weren’t doing the basics in faith? What good does going to church every Sunday do when you’re busy helping to add to the burdens of another rather than helping to lift them?

This may not be a word for you, as you might be one that does the basics of our faith. If that’s the case, share this scripture and word with someone, somewhere. Today’s Christian must know better and do better.