But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. Jude 20-23
Many of us are facing the reality of how to relate to those who have chosen the gay lifestyle. People we work with, those who live next-door, and even some in our own families have decided to embrace it.
Every sin that Jesus died for was ugly and ungodly— including our own. It is only when we are assured of our complete forgiveness and perfect standing before God because of the work of Jesus on the cross, we can love others fully and trust in God's judgment rather than our own.
Every sin that Jesus died for was ugly and ungodly— including our own. It is only when we are assured of our complete forgiveness and perfect standing before God because of the work of Jesus on the cross, we can love others fully and trust in God's judgment rather than our own.
Have you ever heard the phrase, "love covers over a multitude of sins"? The actual verse in the Bible says this: "above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).
The word fervent, in this passage, means without ceasing, strained, or stretched out. This indicates a love that is steadfast and longstanding, even in difficult circumstances. But how can we love them without approving of their choices?
The word fervent, in this passage, means without ceasing, strained, or stretched out. This indicates a love that is steadfast and longstanding, even in difficult circumstances. But how can we love them without approving of their choices?
Discernment is key. Praying for wisdom, remaining in the Holy Spirit, loving with God's great love, and having compassion mixed with holy fear, are essential in our relationships.
It's ok to disagree. Our friends may try to convince us that their lifestyle is loving and good. We should gently remind them that they were created in the image of God and for the purpose of bringing Him glory. We should seek opportunities to share the Gospel.
If they walk away from the friendship, we shouldn't take it too personally. We should continue to pray hard for them. Pray that we have planted a seed and that someone else will water it. Most of all, we should pray that they will come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
It's ok to disagree. Our friends may try to convince us that their lifestyle is loving and good. We should gently remind them that they were created in the image of God and for the purpose of bringing Him glory. We should seek opportunities to share the Gospel.
If they walk away from the friendship, we shouldn't take it too personally. We should continue to pray hard for them. Pray that we have planted a seed and that someone else will water it. Most of all, we should pray that they will come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8
Dear God, thank You for forgiving my sins and perfecting me through the blood of Jesus so that I can love fully to You glory!
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