Tag Archive | #Love

Does love really mean not calling sin…sin?

Feb2

Question: Shouldn’t Christians just show love to others and stop trying to shame them about their sins?

Answer:  That depends on what you mean by “showing love.”  Consider this:  a good and loving parent teaches their child right from wrong and lets that child know that doing wrong (sinning) will lead to negative consequences.  For example, the loving parent will teach their child not to play with matches. They will tell him what could happen if he started a fire that caused himself or others to be seriously burned.  The parent would let the child know that his disobedience could even lead to the entire house burning to the ground.  If that child still goes and plays with the matches, the parent will tell the child, again, why this was wrong and punish the child to discourage him from doing it again.  Likely, that child will feel ashamed when being called out for doing wrong.

But, better that parent tell that child what he was doing was wrong than keeping the child ignorant of the dangers of his actions… actions that could possibly lead to catastrophic results!  That parent telling the child his behavior was wrong was actually showing love to that child. For it would not be very loving to let that child remain unaware of his dangerous behavior and the potentially deadly consequences.

Likewise, God wants Believers to tell  the world His Gospel. In fact, Jesus left us with the Great Commission to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” ( Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV)  Of utmost importance in what His Holy Word teaches is the deadly consequences of our sin.  Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Since Romans 3:23 says that we “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” we all need our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Therefore,  it would not be very loving to keep people ignorant of the dangers of their sinful behavior.  Letting people know what sin is and the consequences of their sin is actually a loving thing to do. Just always let them know in ways that are compassionate and caring – remembering that we were all lost in sin until we accepted Jesus as our Savior.  Thank God for His saving grace!

What should I do?

Jun14

Question: Should I stop sharing my biblical views on social issues with my non-Christian friends – some of whom are no longer speaking to me?

Answer: You should speak the truth of God with love! Remember that Jesus said we are to “make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all things that I (Jesus) have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV) How can we make disciples and teach if we don’t share God’s Word with others? Through communication with others, we get to explain to people what God says about how He wants us to live our lives to please Him.

But if the way you share your beliefs comes across as uncaring, pompous, or hypocritical, you are failing to show the love of Jesus. And since these people are your friends, they would know if your “talk” doesn’t match your “walk.”  They will not respect you or want to listen to you.

Of course, even if you do present your biblical views in a kind and humble way, people who don’t want to accept God’s teachings will still reject what you have to say.  They would rather continue to embrace sinful behavior than to accept God’s words as true. They even try to justify themselves by calling their evil good.  And what God says is good they call bad. Then, they work to make sure everyone else does the same. And if you don’t tow the line, they may call you a hater, reject you as a friend, try to get you fired from your job, or something even worse!

The truth is, in their spirit, they know God’s Word is true! That’s why they work so hard to silence Believers who rightfully use God’s words to counter their sinful agendas. But no matter how hard they may try, they can run but they can’t hide from God’s truth.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13)

Therefore, what you should be doing is what all Believers should be doing. Be praying for others to accept Jesus Christ as their one and only Lord and Savior! And pray that the Lord will give you the right words to say at the right times, so you can continue to share the truth of God’s Word with love!