Have you ever had one of those light bulb moments when something you haven’t been able to wrap your brain around suddenly comes into focus? You become so blinded by your realization that you’re convinced other people can actually see a cartoon light bulb floating above your head.

I experienced one of those moments this week.

I was mindlessly scrolling through social media when I saw an absolutely disgusting post by an individual who calls themselves a “Christian.” And yes, I put Christian in quotes for a reason.

The crap this person was spouting was the exact opposite of what what I was taught about how Jesus wants us to behave, which is to care for our fellow human beings. Period.

But according to this “Christian,” the only thing Jesus cared about was that people repent for…well, I’m not sure for what. I mean, I’d say sin, but since their post was in rainbow colors and stated that Jesus didn’t believe in being inclusive, accepting, or tolerant, I’m fairly certain they were saying that being a member of the LGBTQ community is a sin.

Um.. no. How is loving another person, whether or not they are the same sex or the same color, a sin? So, what the post really was about was twisting the words of Jesus into the exact opposite of how he wanted us to live our lives.

And that was when the light bulb moment happened.

For years, I just couldn’t understand how people who call themselves Christians have embraced Donald Trump, a convicted felon, sex offender, and hate monger. But then I got it.

They have twisted the teachings of Jesus to validate their own hatred of and discomfort with anyone who is different than they are. They have turned Jesus into someone who had a clear definition of who a sinner is (anyone who believes in something they don’t or thinks differently than they do). They also believe Donald Trump was chosen by God because he validates their discomfort with anyone who challenges their belief system.

If Trump actually was chosen by God to be president, I prefer the perspective of a friend. I was struggling with a conflict that involved following social work ethics that are in direct opposition to a gubernatorial executive order. My friend, an attorney, said that the real challenge is choosing what is right or choosing what is safe.

“You know,” she said. “Maybe all of these “Christians” who think Trump was ordained by God have it right but for the wrong reason. Instead of God choosing Trump because he is following the teachings of Jesus – which he’s not – maybe it was to test Christians to see if they can actually do the right thing when they are challenged by someone who is so evil.”

I like that perspective, and it is one I need to hold onto tightly. Can I continue to do the right thing in the midst of so much wrong? I hope so. And I hope putting this in writing is the right thing to do.

There was a part of me that was nervous this post would offend someone. And then, I had another of those light bulb moments. If someone is offended that I am calling them out for their hateful beliefs, then I don’t care. I’m confident that Jesus would have called them out too.