tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422519585523562932.post8523575397873269478..comments2024-03-10T21:11:45.692-04:00Comments on Thoughts of a Sojourner: Family, or Strangers?Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12218349188104332410noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422519585523562932.post-64702159771589587612009-03-21T19:52:00.000-04:002009-03-21T19:52:00.000-04:00Craig and I have been discussing this sort of thin...Craig and I have been discussing this sort of thing.<BR/><BR/>On the one hand we see "holiness" obsessed types who fail to reach out in love to those who need it so badly. Unfortunately, I've been there and often it is due to an underlying fear of becoming "contaminated" by associating with another Christian who has certain weaknesses. <BR/><BR/>On the other hand, there are the types who see that error but over-correct the other way as they focus on "love and acceptance" to the point where sin becomes just another "lifestyle choice".<BR/><BR/>Both extremes are wrong. It IS possible to hate sin and yet lovingly encourage those who already hate sin...yet are having to war daily against their flesh.<BR/><BR/><BR/>I don't tell too many people that I have issues with gluttony. Strangely, many Christians don't seem to see that as a "real" sin. But to me it is just as bad as idolatry or prostitution. It is not easy to get sympathy from someone who doesn't have "that" problem. They don't understand the daily fight to remain pure.<BR/><BR/>Those who recognize the depth of personal depravity--and see that we have absolutely NOTHING of value to offer God --are able to find this balance in Jesus Christ. Those who think they are "okay" have a hard time extending mercy to others.<BR/><BR/>Luke 7:47 "Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." <BR/><BR/><BR/>1 John is one of my favorite books. We've been studying it with family.<BR/><BR/><BR/>1John 4:20-21 "If any one says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should love his brother also."<BR/><BR/>Sobering words.<BR/><BR/>I understand "hate" to have a broader meaning than "open hostility"--it can simply mean "I don't care about your problems". John says as much: 1John 3:17 "But if any one has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?" <BR/><BR/>Many Christians do not understand love simply because they are immature. Others do not love because they have not actually been changed themselves. It isn't my job to decide who is and is not saved--but we are told that there are goats among the sheep and tares among the wheat. <BR/><BR/>Praying the Lord will lift you up as you continue in His strength and grace.<BR/><BR/>HeatherCraig and Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11962442989291080899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422519585523562932.post-37601364346597321122009-03-21T15:22:00.000-04:002009-03-21T15:22:00.000-04:00I think we could all use this type of exhortation....I think we could all use this type of exhortation.<BR/><BR/>A good thing to do to help us remember those who have struggles (emotional or physical) is to either write down the prayer requests or take the sheet home (our church hands out lists) and pray for people. Then we need to send them cards, etc. <BR/><BR/>I struggle with remembering and this has helped me a lotKim M.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13350087402141300950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422519585523562932.post-53666362566596371212009-03-21T14:47:00.000-04:002009-03-21T14:47:00.000-04:00Wow. I guess we are truly blessed. The church we a...Wow. I guess we are truly blessed. The church we are currently pastoring is very much just like family to not only us but to each other. That is one thing that makes this church so incredibly special. I would also add that the Bible Methodist group is very very much like one big family. Very deeply concerned and involved in each other's lives. Especially the leadership with the pastor's. It's very rare and notable. <BR/><BR/>JulieThe Pastor of a Small Rural Churchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10012775517307384010noreply@blogger.com