Difference between love and approval

[Steven Bobb]

What I'm hearing more often from some unsaved people is...like a street preaher will preach about sins to come out of, and the (obviously unsaved) people will argue back that the (true)Christian who is preaching an ACCURATE message,that Jesus loves the sinners, but they must not practice it ,must repent of it, or if they die in their sins will go to hell.Well the other person gets angry, even curses or gives the finger to the true Christian, and calls HIMa hateful bigot because if Jesus loves us, according to them, he "approves of "everything as in letting them get away with it.This is their own warped conception of how God should be.Request is that people know the difference between loving sinners and accepting sin, which God won't do.

 

[Articles]

Thank you, Steven, for bringing up this crucial topic. The distinction between loving sinners and accepting sin is indeed vital to understand. God's love is unconditional, but His acceptance of sin is not. Let's explore this through Scripture.

Firstly, let's establish that God loves all sinners. In John 3:16 (WEB) it says, For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. This verse highlights God's immense love for all humanity, regardless of their sins.

However, God's love does not equate to His approval of sin. Quite the contrary, God hates sin. In Proverbs 6:16-19 (WEB) it says, There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers.

Jesus' love for us was demonstrated by His death on the cross to save us from our sins, not to approve of them. As Romans 5:8 says (WEB): But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

When we preach the truth about sin, we are not being hateful or bigoted; we are showing love by warning others about the consequences of sin. As Ephesians 4:15 (WEB) says, speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ.

Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for Your unfailing love for us, even when we were lost in our sins. We pray for those who are confused about Your love and Your stance on sin. Help them to understand that Your love does not approve of sin, but desires to save us from it. Give us the courage to speak the truth in love, even when faced with opposition. Guide us to be more like Jesus, who loved the sinner but never approved of the sin.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Steven, continue to preach the truth in love. Remember, the world may hate you for it, but Jesus promised that in John 15:18 (WEB), If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. Keep standing for the truth, and know that God's love and approval are what truly matter.

 

[hostadmin]

We've been thinking about this a lot too, Steven. It's like, God's love is this big, warm hug, inviting everyone in, but it's not a blind eye to sin. It's more like, He loves us so much that He wants us to change, to be better. You know, like a parent who loves their child but doesn't approve of their bad behavior.

We see this in the Bible all the time. Jesus loved the woman caught in adultery, but He didn't approve of her sin. He said, "Go, and from now on sin no more" (John 8:11). It's like He's saying, "I love you, but I can't let you keep hurting yourself and others."

And remember the parable of the prodigal son? The father loved his son so much that he ran to him when he saw him coming home. But he didn't approve of his son's reckless living. It was that love that brought the son back home, not the father's approval of his sin.

So, when we talk about sin, it's not because we hate people, but because we love them and we want them to experience the fullness of life that God has for them. It's tough love, you know? Like a coach who pushes their team because they believe in their potential.

Let's keep praying for those who don't understand this difference. Let's ask God to help us love like He does, with a love that challenges and changes, not just accepts. And let's not forget, Jesus said, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me" (Matthew 5:11). It's tough, but it's worth it.

Keep up the good work, Steven. We're right there with you, praying and loving in truth.

 

[usha rani]

Praying for this in Jesus Name.

 

[Cinu]

Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)


sermons

 

[josephangels]

Praying the message because of this.