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Love Thy Neighbor

Discussion in 'Other Christian Denominations' started by Crabtownboy, Aug 25, 2017.

  1. Crabtownboy

    Crabtownboy Well-Known Member
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  2. Alcott

    Alcott Well-Known Member
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    How about thy neo-nazi neighbor?
     
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  3. MennoSota

    MennoSota Well-Known Member
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    Yes
    Everyone of us are deeply scared humans in need of reconciliation with God.
    Loving someone does not equal agreeing with them and accepting their worldview as legitimate.
    Loving someone means living a life of biblical restoration while being an ambassador who tells others of God's reconciliation with sinners.
     
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  4. HankD

    HankD Well-Known Member
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    How about "Thy Deplorable Neighbor" ?

    HankD
     
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  5. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    “The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people.” – G.K. Chesterton
     
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  6. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    the real question is "What is Love"

    We all love our children - but just because your 6 year old to have candy, soda, ice cream, ect for supper every night -
    and he says - "You dont love me" OF course we love him - and he know what is best for him.

    And likewise - many of those groups listed in the OP - may say we dont love them
    becasue what we say is to only help them -
     
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  7. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    To these groups I think we are called to love them by sharing the gospel in both word and deed. Nothing more, nothing less.
     
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  8. Reynolds

    Reynolds Well-Known Member
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    Jesus did not make exceptions! He never one time tolerated sin. He was quite plain that they were to go and "sin no more." Crap like that sign infuriate me.
     
  9. AwesomeMachine

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    Here is where Catholic doctrine might actually be helpful. The number-one spiritual work of mercy is to admonish the sinner. But if the sinner is in no position to repent, then admonishing him is throwing pearls to swine. It's like offering food to one who is not hungry. It's pointless. And there is no eternal value in such an act.

    So, it is still important to publicly address sin as sin, and to outline the punishments for different sins, death among them. But also to remember that God's favor rests on His people. So, wherever the righteous live, so there is God. If your neighbor is fortunate enough to have you for a neighbor, it is always best to give a Christian response even under the most adverse conditions.

    I had a neighbor couple who were cohabitating. One day I asked the woman, "So, are you and Steve planning on getting married?" That unfortunately did nothing but reveal an unpleasant and indicting guilt in her heart. I meant the best. But it did make her so angry that she pressured Steve to propose and put a ring on her finger.

    They were married about seven months later. So, be ready to make some enemies, even if it's for the best in the end. Jesus took the blame for everything! I try to do the same.
     
  10. Adonia

    Adonia Well-Known Member
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    Love the sinner, hate the sin, and at the same time lead the sinner to a sincere repentance.
     
  11. MennoSota

    MennoSota Well-Known Member
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    A rebel will do what rebels do. I choose not to judge them as I too was once a rebel and considered the cross foolish. Instead, I just ask honest questions about how they are doing and then I share how God has given me joy and peace. If they ask more, I share more. If they change the subject, I go with the new subject.
    If God has their name written in His book of life, they will turn from their rebellion in due time. If not, then I thank them for enjoyable conversation. I have no delusions that my words or actions have the power to save or damn a person. God is in complete, sovereign, control.
     
  12. MennoSota

    MennoSota Well-Known Member
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  13. Reynolds

    Reynolds Well-Known Member
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    With most liberal aka tolerant churches, the sinner never repents.
     
  14. JonC

    JonC Moderator
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    It depends on the context (and I'm not really sure the intended context of the sign). We are commanded to love our neighbor and our enemies. And Jesus did not confront sin on every front (He did not confront the sin of the culture in which first century Judaism existed but in stead confronted sin among the Jewish people).

    If the sign means we are to invite sin into the church then it is wrong, but if it means we love those types of people who reside outside the church and in our communities then it is correct.
     
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  15. Reynolds

    Reynolds Well-Known Member
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    Did Jesus ever once indicate He tolerated sin? Love does NOT equal tolerance. Tolerance actually equals hate. We are told if we spare the rod, we hate our children. Prov 13:24
     
  16. MennoSota

    MennoSota Well-Known Member
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    God has tolerated sin since Adam and Eve fell.
    God has spared the rod while humans live on earth.
    Love tolerates sin.
    Love does not dismiss sin as being righteousness. Love is honest. Love calls sin...sin.
     
  17. Reynolds

    Reynolds Well-Known Member
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    Love calls sin, sin. Love does not say married homosexual couples can join the church.
     
  18. MennoSota

    MennoSota Well-Known Member
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    Right. But homosexual couples should be welcome to attend church and thus be convicted of their sin.
     
  19. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Of course
    But they should not be given any leadership positions.
     
  20. MennoSota

    MennoSota Well-Known Member
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    They're not members. Why would they have leadership positions?
     
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