Friday, July 3, 2009
I loved reading Paul's words to the crowd. (Acts21:37-22:16) He spoke their language, found common ground and told his story. The fact that he even wanted to speak to the people who had just beat him up showed his great love for them. The crowd, on the other hand, had such a hatred for anything Gentile. It got me thinking about the whole subject of hatred. 2Kings22-23 tells of King Josiah's campaign to rid Israel of everything that was not from God. He was motivated by love for God but that love caused a hatred of evil and anything to do with it. Psalm 1 speaks of not associating with the wicked or mockers or sinners. I guess I should stop associating with myself! Please see Carol's comment yesterday and my response. I think this all ties together. God loves all people. Jesus died for all people. But the old saying, "love the sinner, hate the sin" seems just too simple to me. As you can see I have not really settled all this in my mind. I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject of just where a hatred of sin takes us and how we respond to what we perceive as sinful.
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"I should stop associating with myself" Haha!
ReplyDeleteIt is always a challenge to me to know exactly how to "be a missionary", or just plain be with or exist with certain people, without "walking, standing, or sitting with the wicked, sinners, scoffers". Its seems the answer is in the heart. If the day comes when I don't hate their sin, but become comfortable with it, then I need to retreat. On the other hand, if I don't love them, as sinners in need of a savior who God loves, then I need to ask God to change my heart. As far as when to "say something" or respond to thier sin... this so has to be directed by the Holy Spirit and we need to prepare our hearts to be seeking that direction. Sometimes our lives speak volumes enough, others times words or actions are demanded.
Lord help me, and all of us to seek and take His direction! Lord shine your light because we want to do right and glorify You!
Todays proverb, 18:17 seems to add to our discussion on making assumptions, jumping to conclusions and avoiding sin/sinners. "The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him." There are always facts that we don't know about.
ReplyDeleteYes, I thought of that too!
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