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Let me just clarify my "who cares" comment... We should care for the unsaved sinner, obviously, and minister under God's calling to witness and share the Gospel. However, making a huge deal out of every sin the non-sinner commits accomplishes nothing as far as that person's eternity is concerned. I'm much more concerned with someone's soul than with the exact nature of their individual sin. And besides, each one of us has sins that others find appalling. For each one of these sins you find offensive in others, Edw, there is probably one that someone else finds offensive in you. We have to be careful to not get into the mindset of thinking that our own sin is less severe than everyone else's.
Thanks for your comments Pixy, but as I stated, no sin is greater than another except blasphemy. I know Romans 3:23 tells us "For all have sinned, and come short of the
glory of God."
Without trying to sound judgemental, I guess in a long-winded way I was asking how far to go without coming off like I was condoning their actions. I guess it's a fine line.
Charles, you are right it is a fine line. And I think it depends on what the "sin" is, how well you know the person, and how much contact you have with them.
I knew a young man in my previous church. Wonderful person, we got along well. We spent a whole quarter of Community College carpooling because we took one class together. It was then I found out he had had a homosexual experience when he was a teenager and thought himself to be a homosexual. (It was not just that encounter that led him to believe that). Several years later, he got saved. He had a conflict. He tried to date ladies, he tried to stay true to the Word, but the homosexual lifestyle was calling him.
After I moved to California, through Facebook, I discovered he had joined the Episcapalian (sp?) church and had moved in with a male partner. I was heart-broken for this wonderful young man. It was how he chose to resolve his urgings with God's calling.
What do I say? How can I say it? All I've been doing is praying.
Oh, and your taste buds are fried by that r-KAN-sass water. Wait until you've gotten your palate cleaned, you'll appreciate Hetch Hetchy water more. :laugh:
This is pasted from the "our daily bread" for today. it reminded me of your comment GL, so thought to add it.... just more food for thought.
jim
But how should we respond to the news of a moral failure, whether by a prominent person or a friend? We might begin by looking at ourselves. A century ago, Oswald Chambers told his students at the Bible Training College in London, �Always remain alert to the fact that where one man has gone back is exactly where anyone may go back . . . . Unguarded strength is double weakness.�
Chambers� words echo Paul�s warning to be aware of our own vulnerability when we see the sins of others. After reviewing the disobedience of the Israelites in the wilderness (1 Cor. 10:1-5), Paul urged his readers to learn from those sins so they wouldn�t repeat them (vv.6-11). He focused not on past failings but on present pride when he wrote, �Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall� (v.12).
The head shaken in reproach is a common response to public sin. More helpful is the head that nods, �Yes, I am capable of that,� then bows in prayer for the one who has fallen and the one who thinks he stands.
Blessed Savior, make me humble,
Take away my sinful pride;
In myself I�m sure to stumble,
Help me stay close by Your side. �D. De Haan
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. �Proverbs 16:18
@jjarr61 Good post, well said. Love Oswald Chambers.
@Edw
Just some thoughts of my own inner searching that I've had on this subject. It is, perhaps, a fine line...but I think each of us walk that fine line every day with our own sin. I think the depth of the question lies in why we would be so offended by someone else's behaviour that we would shrink from giving the love of Christ? Not agreeing or condoning...but looking past the offense to our sensibilities to see the need of the heart within. Isn't that what Christ has done for us?
Jesus does say in Matthew 18:17 that if someone, a believer, ultimately refuses to listen to the Church "treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector." But how did Jesus treat tax collectors? Luke 19 gives an example.
Actually, the whole of Matthew 18 gives some interesting insights...
The first part talks about the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven being the ones who take the lowly position of a child...humility. Isn't it pride that says I have the right to be offended by someone else's sin and judge them unworthy of my time and attention?
It ends with forgiving your brother 77 times if he has sinned against you, paired with the parable of the unmerciful servant...
I guess my question is, if the offense is not against us...why are we so offended? If the offense is against us...why aren't we forgiving as we have been and want to be forgiven? Is the sin or offense more important to us than the person?
I know I have said several times "hate the sin, love the sinner." I believe that is what God's word instructs us as His children to do, as he has done for us.
Can you imagine if God said... Hmmm, I just can't stand those sins... If I show love and send my Son to take up their sin I may be showing that I condone their lifestyle or the sin they are committing against Me.
What did Jesus say just before taking His last breath on the cross? He said, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do."
I know I fall short every day. Some may say what I fall short on is not that big of a deal (but it is still sin), some may say oh my gosh that is horrible (but it is the same sin.)
I'm grateful to know their are Christians out there who will still love me in spite of my short comings especially Jesus!
This is just my opinion by the way...
Edw, I'm not saying your wrong as that is your thoughts and feelings.
I just thought it was a great topic and I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings as well.
Thanks for the insight ya'll. We had a discussion on this in psychology class believe it or not (it wasn't actually the original topic of discussion, just kind of worked out that way) and reminded me of a very recent conversation I had with a very special person. I just wanted some more input. Thanks for your views! Didn't mean to come off sounding like Archie Bunker or anything! LOL!
We don't have the right to confiscate a bottle of poison from a unbeliever. Even if we could it would make no difference, they have already ingested the poison; they need a remedy; Jesus.
We have no right to confiscate a bottle of poison from a believer. However a believer is a part of a body, what affects one part affects the whole body. Therefore we have a responsibility to address the poisoned part and/or cut it off before the poison spreads to the rest of the body.
This quote from Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, just struck a chord with me: "We are not sent to do battle for God, but to be used by God in His battles."
