...hate the sin. How many times have we heard that at church. How many times have I said that to my children, especially when they ask me really tough questions about someone else's behavior-and I have no other answer. And, just for the record, don't forget we are ALL sinners-some of us are believers and others are not but we ALL sin-past, present, and future. Planned and unplanned.
So, this little concept is what is really challenging me right now. I mean really, creeping into my soul and pushing me to think about things in a way I never have. Because, sometimes the sin is so overpowering and engulfing that it gets hard to see the person. Sometimes that sin puts up such a barrier around the person that you can't get in, no one can. Some refer to it as 'bondage', which is fitting because it isn't easily broken out of(or into). Detaching from the sin and loving the person gets very complicated. I don't kid myself, I know there are people out there who love me and can't stand the 'sin shroud' that often covers my shoulders. I guess that is why Godly love is so amazing. He doesn't even see the sin. Just the heart and THE Blood of Christ. There are so many times when I easily look past the sin and love the sinner. Other times, I just can't. That makes me hurt. It is wrong. It is unfair. It is weak.
Detachment with love is a gift. You are not responsible for someone else's behavior-but you are responsible for your own. Detachment without love is hateful, un-Christian, and unacceptable. Unfortunately, that is my default mode. I hate it and yet I am absolutely in love with it. When hurt comes my way, I detach and move on. Sometimes I pretend the hurter does not even exist anymore.
So this is my struggle. I know I am required to love people(and also myself-a whole nother post). All of them. With the love of the Lord. And frankly?? I am really sucking at it.
4 comments:
Detachment with love is incredibly difficult. I could ramble for hours on this topic but will simply tell you that I'm praying for you.
Do you need cake?
I always wonder what qualifies other people to decide what I'm doing/thinking/how I live is sinful.
How about this?
Love everyone as much as you can. Realize that they do not have to answer to you.
And worry about your own sin.
And no, I don't mean you personlly, I mean generic you.
But the whole 'love the sinner' statement has always aggravated me.
None of us are qualified to judge what's sinful. Or not sinful.
Hey, if someone cusses me out, I call that sinful. If I cuss someone out, I call that sinful. Murder, rape, drug abuse-all can be judged-some things like those are black and white, but MOST things are gray and I don't judge-in fact, most Christians don't. However, some do and it makes us all look bad.
We ALL judge each other, not just Christians, it is human nature. Usually people mostly judge people who sing that don't sing well, stupidity, obesity, etc.
I love you Ami despite the little chip on your shoulder when it comes to Christians.
it is hard. really really hard.
two things i think about...
it must be really really really hard for God to love me.
and it is really hard for ME to love, yes ME as ME...but ME with the Spirit? that's incredible, powerful love. something i could never do on my own.
love ya!
Post a Comment