One of the significant aspects of American society is the right to free speech. No matter how hateful and divisive it is. No matter how vile you may take the message to be, it is the right of every individual or group to voice their opinion freely.

This weekend exactly one year after Unite the Right, the violent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, many of the same white-nationalist, paramilitary, and other right-wing groups are planning to come together again — this time, in Washington, D.C.

In many ways, it is a good thing that these groups are permitted to use their first amendment right to hold these rallies as it sheds light on the vile, dangerous and disgusting message of division and hate they preach. A spotlight for the rest of America to witness and be repulsed by, hopefully forcing them to admit there is cancer in America that needs to be removed. Discussions about race and social inequalities can not be swept under the rug any longer but must be confronted head-on if we are ever going to move forward as a nation.

These rallies also shine a light on the sins of those individuals who preach hate. The majority of them call themselves Christians but deny the undeniable; we are all one created in the image of our Lord.

27 So God created mankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27

They presuppose that they are greater than the Lord they claim to worship. That they have the right to determine which of the Lord’s children are worthy and which are not. A direct rejection of the Lord’s commandment to us. As is written in John 13:34:

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another

The Lord created each of us in His image. He loves each of us unconditionally. He does not play favorites based on the color of our skin or our religious beliefs.

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. – Galatians 3:26-29

Since the beginning, it has been the Lord’s desire for us to live together in peace and unity.

1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! – Psalms 133:1

And He warned us to avoid those who would speak differently!

17. Now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. 18. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words, they deceive innocent people. – Romans 16:17-18

So this weekend, let us stand at a distance, watch and expose to the world those with malice in their hearts, sinners against the Lord.

Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. – Ephesians 5:11

But as with all things with the Lord, reject their beliefs but be prepared to forgive those among them who repent their sins and ask for help in finding their way back onto the path of spirituality.

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. – Galatians 6:1