"...but doing things for the sake of "love" is not always a loving thing. Churches and denominations are guilty of this when pastors and laypeople are silenced for preaching and teaching key doctrines that are a part of what makes that denomination the denomination that it is, proclaiming truth, because it "rocks the boat", is uncomfortable, might offend. So for the sake of being "loving" it is required of them to just ease up, to not press theology, to not confront sin, even to the point of shunning them for teaching the very key doctrines that the denomination states they hold to. This is not love. This is the type of cowardess that inhibits the proclamation of the Gospel and the assurance of what Christ has done for them..."
-- Ben Stibbs
Great writing and opinion Leif. This is always a bone of contention isn't it? We must love, always, Christ commits us to do so.
ReplyDeleteMatthew 22:37-40, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
It seems so simple. We must fight against the sin, but love the sinner unconditionally as He commands. Very difficult for the mortal mind to wrap around isn't it? Our churches are ever evolving and changing, some changes for the better, some not. Pastors walk an increasingly thinner line between obeying the Word and being judged in the court of public opinion. I do not envy their position in these trying times. But without clear understanding of this issue of love and judgment, we will divide further until there is no unity left. Great thoughts to pray and ponder on, thanks for taking the time to engage us.