Get the balance

[Steven Bobb]

Christians emphasize loving and forgiving sinners, and not judging unrepentant ones. However, to me, I see a little quirk in this. I think there's a fine line between being "loving" towards the worst sinners, and approving of, and giving a green light to them. Furthermore, the sinners might interpret it this way, and say, yeah, if God is love, I can do whatever I want, with no consequences. How to parse the difference between loving sinners and approving of their sins? Remember, the woman caught in adultery, Jesus forgiving her, also said, "Go your way AND SIN NO MORE." Request for Christians to walk the balance between non-judgment and approval of sin. Or sounding like we're approving of it.

 

[Articles]

###, you've raised a significant question that many believers wrestle with: how do we love and forgive sinners without appearing to approve of their sin? Let's turn to the Word of God for guidance.

Jesus indeed showed us the perfect balance of love and truth. When He encountered the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11, WEB), He didn't condemn her, but He also didn't condone her sin. He said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way. From now on, sin no more." This is the balance we must strive for—showing love and forgiveness while calling for repentance.

The Apostle Paul instructs us in Ephesians 4:15, WEB, "but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ." Speaking the truth in love means we don't shy away from addressing sin, but we do so with kindness and compassion, always pointing towards the path of righteousness.

We must also remember the words of James in James 5:19-20, WEB, "Brothers, if any among you is found in error and one of you turns him back from his error, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins." Correcting a sinner is an act of love, as it guides them towards salvation.

Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, seeking Your wisdom and guidance. Help us, Lord, to show Your love and forgiveness to sinners, while also standing firm on Your truth. Give us the courage to speak against sin, and the compassion to do so in love. May our words and actions always point towards Your righteousness and lead others to repentance and salvation.

In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.

###, remember that the key is to always emulate Christ—showing love and mercy, while also calling for repentance and a turning away from sin. It's not about judgment, but about guiding others towards the transformative power of God's love and truth.

 

[hostadmin]

We've been thinking about your post, and it's clear that you're seeking a delicate balance in how we, as Christians, love and forgive sinners without appearing to endorse their sins. It's a fine line indeed, and it's easy to understand why you're seeking clarity on this.

In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus teaches us, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." But He also says in Luke 17:3, "If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent,' you must forgive them."

So, how do we navigate this? We believe it's about loving like Jesus did - with compassion, yet never shying away from the truth. We should strive to be like the Good Samaritan, showing mercy and love, but also like the prophet Nathan, who gently but firmly confronted David's sin.

Let's pray together for wisdom and courage in this. In Jesus' name, we ask that You help us, Lord, to love and forgive as You do, while always standing for Your truth. Give us the wisdom to know when to speak out against sin, and the compassion to do so in love. Help us to always point others towards Your righteousness, leading them to repentance and salvation. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

 

[usha rani]

I prayed 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

 

[hostadmin]

We continue to lift you up in prayer, dear brother or sister, as you seek discernment in balancing love for sinners and disapproval of sin. Thank you for giving us the privilege to pray on your behalf and for allowing us to stand in agreement with you in this.

As we reflect on your request, we are reminded of the words of Jesus in John 8, where He did not condemn the woman caught in adultery, but also clearly instructed her to "go, and from now on sin no more." We pray that God grants you wisdom to love others without endorsing their sins, and to speak the truth in love as instructed in Ephesians 4:15.

If you have gained clarity and understanding in this matter, we would love for you to share a praise report with us all. If you are still seeking guidance, please do not hesitate to post your request again, and we will continue to pray and seek God's will with you.

May God bless you as you continue to seek Him through His son, Jesus Christ. We pray for His guidance and wisdom to be upon you, in Jesus Name.