I think it is harmful and has no place in today's world other than in Civil War history books. I would no sooner adorn my possessions with a Confederate Flag than I would with the symbol of Nazi Germany. When I see that flag waving proudly on somebody's vehicle, this is my initial response:
That flag was waved by a bunch of people who valued their businesses, money, and bias more than they valued the lives of human beings. As a Christian, I cannot wave a flag that symbolizes putting materials above the freedom of human beings. One could argue that the flag itself is hurting nobody, but the message behind the symbol is what causes harm and that message ended with the Civil War. The bottom line is: the Confederate Flag carries a message with is that is upsetting to people. Whether or not you think that people should be hurt by it, it is causing harm.
As a Christian, it is not my job to say "Here's why you shouldn't be offended by this."
It is my duty to say "I'm sorry that you are being hurt. What can I do to help?"
The message behind the Confederate Flag did not end with the Civil War because racism is still alive today. You can argue that racism isn't an issue, but your argument would be wrong. I have seen and heard racism my entire life. For me, "loving my neighbor as myself" means loving ALL people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or political standing.
I have seen so many posts from Christians tearing people down with the defense of "Well, I am not being hateful! I'm just voicing my opinion! It's not hate!" People become so concerned with not seeming hateful, that they don't realize their words carry no love at all. I am a loving person. I am a sensitive person. I don't like offending people, but I realize that going through life without stepping on any toes is impossible. When I offend people with something I say or imply, I don't take to Facebook to rant and rave about how political correctness is ruining this country. Freedom of Speech is not Freedom from Consequence. When I hurt people unintentionally, I hope that I can have the love in my heart to say "I'm sorry. I'll try not to hurt you in the future." Is that really so hard?
1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 "Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end."
So, Christian Confederate Flag-wavers, I implore you to look at the piece of cloth you are so keen on defending and ask yourself "What's more important to me? This flag or the people that are hurting because of the message attached to it?" When it comes to choosing between a "piece of Southern culture" and people, I will choose people. That's what I believe Jesus would do. He would choose people.
Our actions will always have an effect on the people around us. When conflict arises, choose to love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."
