Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Hate the Sin, Not the Sinner

Jude 1:23 - Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgement.  Show mercy to still others, but do so with caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

We need to love people to Christ, not judge them.  NO ONE on this planet is qualified to judge anyone.  Furthermore, God NEVER asks us to.  We cannot judge someone just because they sin differently than us.  There is a difference between acceptance and approval.  We should ALWAYS accept the sinner, but NEVER approve of the sin.  The sin comes with the person - it's a package deal.  All we can do is love them and pray that they can turn from their sinful behaviors that are leading them down the dark path.

Anyone that says that ANY sin other than the rejection of God is an abomination or unforgivable is wrong.  If there is any confusion about that, read that last sentence again.  Jesus' own words in Mark 3:28-29 tells us that all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven except the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.  The key words there are ALL and FORGIVEN.  He didn't say SOME or MOST.  And He didn't say ACCEPTABLE.  God hates the sin, but He loves the sinner.  He loves us sinners so much that He offers us redemption whenever we sin if we are honest and confess our sins to Him.

There are some reading this that will speculate as to which sin I'm referring to specifically.  As Jesus said, ALL sin.  Before any of us go around slapping people with our righteous paintbrush, remember that EVERYONE sins.  Love them to Christ, don't hate them away from Him.  God accepts the sinner, who are we not to?

Dear Lord, thank You for this reminder that I am no better than anyone else.  The last thing I want to do is overstep my boundaries and start judging people.  Give me the love in my heart that I need to help bring people to know You, and not scare them away.  I want everyone to be part of our family, and I know that once You get a hold of their heart, it will happen.  In Jesus' name, Amen!



God Bless!!!

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