That attitude sounds ameliorating. Indeed we are to love everyone. On the other hand love does not mean acceptance. For instance, ministers sitting next to atheists without a desire to convert them, is not God's idea of love. God so loved the world that he wanted that none should perish. If those ministers are sitting there next to atheists without converting them, they have not love. If straight people sit next to homosexuals, who are far from "gay" by the way, they are condoning sin unless they tell them about eternal punishment.
The quote by Ms. Finch above does not transmit the emotion she emitted on AGT. Her comment was inclined toward belittling Republicans when she said that. It was as if Republicans normally would not fit in with this group because many are evangelicals. Indeed, most would not because diversity of lifestyles is not the Way of God. Although Scripture teaches unity, it is unity under Christ. To unify in any other way is certainly not angelic but more demonic. Of course, in typical fashion what Ms. Finch said sounds right but is it?
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Cor 6:14 KJV)Ms. Finch was bragging about the yoke between righteousness and unrighteousness when she commented about ministers and atheists and abnormal and normal people. Her lovingkindness is noble but for her own cause.
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals." (1 Cor 15:33 ESV)
I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. (1 Cor 5:11 ESV)I am the messenger. Ms. Finch may label me a "hater". I am not; I so love them that I do not want them to perish. Acceptance is more than accepting behaviors and false beliefs. It is accepting that those persons perish forever! I refuse to accept that.
Some will respond that Jesus ate with sinners. He did (Luke 15:2). We must look at why he ate with sinners? Do you suppose it was to harmonize under their director? Jesus explained with a parable and made his point:
Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:6-7).Why did Jesus eat with sinners? Because he loved them so that he wanted that none should perish. He didn't eat with them in acceptance of their sin but in spite of their sins. He wasn't condoning sin but providing a way out of it! What do you suppose Jesus was saying when he was eating with sinners? Was it: Your own lifestyle is your own business. Or was it: Your unbelief is okay. I'm okay... you're okay.
My bet is that Jesus was convicting them that they were sinners and needed his salvation. That is the good and only reason to unite with sinners. Of course, those who did not repent, Jesus still loved them but it was under his terms, not theirs. His will was that they become new creatures - righteous ones. That entails change. Those who continue in their sins are rebellious. That's what sin is all about: people doing their own will, and not God's.
My wish is that those ministers sitting next to atheists would reprove those atheists. My wish is that those "straight" people tell others they aren't really "gay" but could be joyful. My wish is that the Republicans would tell the Democrats that taking innocent life is not God's will; that murder is hatred. My wish is that immigrants of other faiths accept the true faith. My wish that those of different ethnicities all become peculiar people of faith. My wish is that skilled musicians play their songs for God. My wish is that neophytes become theists who know God inside and out! Is that hatred? It certainly is to the world. Scripture is all about hating sin and loving the sinner. If anyone teaches otherwise, it is a different doctrine they teach!
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