The Difference Between Loving The Sinner And Hating The Sin

[Alicia Maddox 2,141]

**********DISCLAIMER!!**********This is just the opinion of ONE person. I am posting this to state my views on the recent matters at hand. I mean absolutely no harm or shame to anyone at all. If you are the kind of person who gets offended easily, then don't read this. If you are an atheist and don't believe in God, then don't read this. For everyone else, read closely to watch I'm trying to say. 

 

"The difference between loving the sinner, but hating the sin: I have a question for you. If your brother came to you and said, " I killed someone.", would you turn him away and tell him to die? If your sister walked up to you and told you, "I'm in to drugs.", would you cut her off and disown her? So if your friend comes to you and tells you he's gay, would you condemn him to death? Let me make this perfectly clear: There are two and only two types of love in this world; the love the world, and the love of Christ.

The love of the world follows this path: If you love someone, you go along with whatever they say and do and don't question their actions or beliefs-regardless of if you agree with them or not. Just an example: If you are against abortion, you're against women's rights. If you're pro guns, you're a terrorist. That is what the so called love of the world preaches. But the love of Christ follows a different path: Love those whose views and beliefs are different from yours. But, does that mean we most call what we view as sin, ok? No. Love the sinner, but hate the sin. This is the one aspect that many people in this world cannot understand-even some Christians have a hard time grasping this concept.

There is no question that homosexuality goes against the views of Christianity and what God has taught us in the Bible. It is there, plain as day. There is no working around this. No cherry picking of Scripture, no twisting of the Gospel. The words of God stand true. As a Christian, I cannot, in true faith and honor to my Lord, condone what has happened today. And I will not apologize for my faith. I am a Christian-I will follow the path God has laid out for my life. And that means that I must adhere to the teachings of the Word. I know in my heart that homosexuality is a sin. But does that mean I will condemn you to hell if you are? No. You will never hear me say, "You will rot in hell for your sins. God hates you, so go die." I would not be able to live with myself if I ever were to say any of that. I love all people with the love of Christ. This includes homosexuals. You will never hear me tell you how to run your lives or live this way just because that makes me more comfortable. That is not, nor has that ever been who I am. To those of my friends who are gay: I love you all so much! You are beautiful people made in image of our Lord and I am so thankful I have met you. God has not abandoned you! He has a plan and a purpose for your life! Don't ever forget that. Seek Him first above all else, and you will surely find him. But, because I view homosexuality as a sin against God, I cannot support your lifestyle. I cannot be glad about what has happened today. My love for you will never change. I still view you in the same way that I have since the day we met. I'm not judging, nor am I condemning. I just cannot support anything that my Lord sees as sin. That has always been my view. And always will be. And this, is the Love of Christ; That He loved us so much, that He died once for us, so that we might be free of our sins forever. God bless you all."

Edited June 27, 2015 by Alicia Maddox

[Aang 649]

 Alicia is simply stating her opinion. Please, no flaming and keep it friendly. It will not be tolerated!

[HeyMouseSayCheese 1,133]

I've heard pretty much that exact thing most of my life- I grew up in the church, and my grandpa was a pastor of 60+ years, so this is nothing new. The problem I have with that argument is that it's implying that being homosexual is equally as bad as the worst things humans can do. If you view homosexuality as a sin, then it's like you're saying that they're doing something wrong by being gay, just like if you kill or rape someone. You love gay people despite this horrible damning thing they're doing, and that's a very backhanded kind of love.

[MickeyTheMick 175]

I love this motivational little speech. I believe the world should learn this valuable lesson. I hate seeing so many hateful comments from all types of groups. I believe it's time for people to act their age and get off their high horses. 

[Aang 649]

I love this motivational little speech. I believe the world should learn this valuable lesson. I hate seeing so many hateful comments from all types of groups. I believe it's time for people to act their age and get off their high horses. 

Agreed, Mickey. Hate will do the world no good.

[KingdomHearts3 2,591]

**********DISCLAIMER!!**********This is just the opinion of ONE person. I am posting this to state my views on the recent matters at hand. I mean absolutely no harm or shame to anyone at all. If you are the kind of person who gets offended easily, then don't read this. If you are an atheist and don't believe in God, then don't read this. For everyone else, read closely to watch I'm trying to say."The difference between loving the sinner, but hating the sin: I have a question for you. If your brother came to you and said, " I killed someone.", would you turn him away and tell him to die? If your sister walked up to you and told you, "I'm in to drugs.", would you cut her off and disown her? So if your friend comes to you and tells you he's gay, would you condemn him to death? Let me make this perfectly clear: There are two and only two types of love in this world; the love the world, and the love of Christ.The love of the world follows this path: If you love someone, you go along with whatever they say and do and don't question their actions or beliefs-regardless of if you agree with them or not. Just an example: If you are against abortion, you're against women's rights. If you're pro guns, you're a terrorist. That is what the so called love of the world preaches. But the love of Christ follows a different path: Love those whose views and beliefs are different from yours. But, does that mean we most call what we view as sin, ok? No. Love the sinner, but hate the sin. This is the one aspect that many people in this world cannot understand-even some Christians have a hard time grasping this concept.There is no question that homosexuality goes against the views of Christianity and what God has taught us in the Bible. It is there, plain as day. There is no working around this. No cherry picking of Scripture, no twisting of the Gospel. The words of God stand true. As a Christian, I cannot, in true faith and honor to my Lord, condone what has happened today. And I will not apologize for my faith. I am a Christian-I will follow the path God has laid out for my life. And that means that I must adhere to the teachings of the Word. I know in my heart that homosexuality is a sin. But does that mean I will condemn you to hell if you are? No. You will never hear me say, "You will rot in hell for your sins. God hates you, so go die." I would not be able to live with myself if I ever were to say any of that. I love all people with the love of Christ. This includes homosexuals. You will never hear me tell you how to run your lives or live this way just because that makes me more comfortable. That is not, nor has that ever been who I am. To those of my friends who are gay: I love you all so much! You are beautiful people made in image of our Lord and I am so thankful I have met you. God has not abandoned you! He has a plan and a purpose for your life! Don't ever forget that. Seek Him first above all else, and you will surely find him. But, because I view homosexuality as a sin against God, I cannot support your lifestyle. I cannot be glad about what has happened today. My love for you will never change. I still view you in the same way that I have since the day we met. I'm not judging, nor am I condemning. I just cannot support anything that my Lord sees as sin. That has always been my view. And always will be. And this, is the Love of Christ; That He loved us so much, that He died once for us, so that we might be free of our sins forever. God bless you all."

Amen to all of this sister! I too am a Christian and what you have said is how a true Christian should act. The 2000 year faith will not change because of today. Jesus loved the worst of the worst when he walked on this earth. To be specific, he loved those who killed him and asked God to forgive them "for they know not what they do". His view on homosexuals is the same: he loves them all. I AM NOT SAYING THAT NON STRAIGHTS ARE THE WORST OF THE WORST! That is a hateful thing to imply and to be honest, I am tired of hearing some claim to be Christian when they say these hateful things. You're a Christian? Act like one and be tolerant! State what you believe. Don't force it down another's throat. Don't let the vice versa happen either, for people of faith have a right to religious liberty. Obviously, it is not our job to convert, it is God's so we must pray for conversion and change of hearts. I too love everyone, homosexual and heterosexual, for they are all God's children and precious in his sight. I only pray that hearts will turn to God and have a change. Edited June 27, 2015 by KingdomHearts3

[MickeyTheMick 175]

Amen to all of this sister! I too am a Christian and what you have said is how a true Christian should act. The 2000 year faith will not change because of today. Jesus loved the worst of the worst when he walked on this earth. To be specific, he loved those who killed him and asked God to forgive them "for they know not what they do". His view on homosexuals is the same: he loves them all. I AM NOT SAYING THAT NON STRAIGHTS ARE THE WORST OF THE WORST! That is a hateful thing to imply and to be honest, I am tired of hearing some claim to be Christian when they say these hateful things. Your a Christian? Act like one and be tolerant! State what you believe. Don't force it down another's throat. Don't let the vice versa happen either, for people of faith have a right to religious liberty. Obviously, it is not our job to convert, it is God's so we must pray for conversion and change of hearts. I too love everyone, homosexual and heterosexual, for they are all God's children and precious in his sight. I only pray that hearts will turn to God and have a change.

PREACH! * CLAPS *

[Pokemoncuzzie 271]

If only more people understood this feeling. I am Muslim myself so my religion's beliefs regarding homosexuality is very much the same so you could say I hold a similar opinion. I don't hate gay people, one of best friends is gay. But that doesn't mean it is a lifestyle that I condone

 

The thing is, even though you have been very polite and kind in your language, opinions such as yours and mine gets treated with a lot of backlash. We get branded as being homophobes and "the reason why the world sucks". But that's not true. It is clear that none of us are homophobes, we just have a different outlook on life.

[Isamu Kuno 2,512]

It's hard to separate loving the sinner and hating the sin when the bible literally says gays should be killed by stoning.

Edited June 27, 2015 by Isamu_Kuno

[Alicia Maddox 2,141]

MickeyTheMick, KingdomHearts3: YES!! Thank you all. Too often, I've met gays, bis and what have you who say that they were turned off by the Christian faith because they were shunned and excluded by so called Christians. As a Christian myself, I strive so hard to change that. I want people to see that they can come to the Lord no matter what! That He will not turn away anyone from His love.

[Aang 649]

It's hard to separate loving the sinner ando hating the sin when the bible literally says gays should be killed by stoning.

 

That is during the Old Testimant. A time where evil ruled, and things were different. If anything it is there to give us an insight how things were. The times, and customs have changed. Each chapter has it's own context. That's why Jesus came, he taught against these things. He teaches us to hate the sin, but love the sinner. Homosexuality is a sin in gods eyes, not homosexuals. Jesus encountered sinners who have committed all types of sins, even homosexuals. Did he condemn them, and sentence them to death? Quite the opposite.

[KingdomHearts3 2,591]

MickeyTheMick, KingdomHearts3: YES!! Thank you all. Too often, I've met gays, bis and what have you who say that they were turned off by the Christian faith because they were shunned and excluded by so called Christians. As a Christian myself, I strive so hard to change that. I want people to see that they can come to the Lord no matter what! That He will not turn away anyone from His love.

I have read many books on mystical visions of saints and beata and Jesus has said he turns no one away from his love and mercy. He even says to St. Faustina to pray for mercy and bring sinners to the fount of mercy. For he justifies and defends those at the hour of death. He offers it, but gives it if there are those that will accept it and repent of their sins. The only reason Christians have been branded as intolerant is because too many individuals have not acted as the face of Christ and love the LGBTs anyway. Besides, God might have a bigger plan for the long term. Today might set in motion events for the future. Nonetheless, defend what you believe respectfully and pray for conversion.

[RikuFangirl2008 1,368]

I agree with you. It's just like this friend I have, and she's gay. She told me this in a private chat at some website. And I told her regardless if she's that, she's still my friend. I accepted her of what she is. As a Christian, only thing I can do is just accept people of what they are.

Just because I'm a Christian, I can't and don't have a right to tell them what to do. That's their life after all.  If that's what makes them happy, then I'll be happy with them. 

Edited June 27, 2015 by RikuFangirl2008

[Kingdomhe 1,362]

**********DISCLAIMER!!**********This is just the opinion of ONE person. I am posting this to state my views on the recent matters at hand. I mean absolutely no harm or shame to anyone at all. If you are the kind of person who gets offended easily, then don't read this. If you are an atheist and don't believe in God, then don't read this. For everyone else, read closely to watch I'm trying to say. 

 

"The difference between loving the sinner, but hating the sin: I have a question for you. If your brother came to you and said, " I killed someone.", would you turn him away and tell him to die? If your sister walked up to you and told you, "I'm in to drugs.", would you cut her off and disown her? So if your friend comes to you and tells you he's gay, would you condemn him to death? Let me make this perfectly clear: There are two and only two types of love in this world; the love the world, and the love of Christ.

The love of the world follows this path: If you love someone, you go along with whatever they say and do and don't question their actions or beliefs-regardless of if you agree with them or not. Just an example: If you are against abortion, you're against women's rights. If you're pro guns, you're a terrorist. That is what the so called love of the world preaches. But the love of Christ follows a different path: Love those whose views and beliefs are different from yours. But, does that mean we most call what we view as sin, ok? No. Love the sinner, but hate the sin. This is the one aspect that many people in this world cannot understand-even some Christians have a hard time grasping this concept.

There is no question that homosexuality goes against the views of Christianity and what God has taught us in the Bible. It is there, plain as day. There is no working around this. No cherry picking of Scripture, no twisting of the Gospel. The words of God stand true. As a Christian, I cannot, in true faith and honor to my Lord, condone what has happened today. And I will not apologize for my faith. I am a Christian-I will follow the path God has laid out for my life. And that means that I must adhere to the teachings of the Word. I know in my heart that homosexuality is a sin. But does that mean I will condemn you to hell if you are? No. You will never hear me say, "You will rot in hell for your sins. God hates you, so go die." I would not be able to live with myself if I ever were to say any of that. I love all people with the love of Christ. This includes homosexuals. You will never hear me tell you how to run your lives or live this way just because that makes me more comfortable. That is not, nor has that ever been who I am. To those of my friends who are gay: I love you all so much! You are beautiful people made in image of our Lord and I am so thankful I have met you. God has not abandoned you! He has a plan and a purpose for your life! Don't ever forget that. Seek Him first above all else, and you will surely find him. But, because I view homosexuality as a sin against God, I cannot support your lifestyle. I cannot be glad about what has happened today. My love for you will never change. I still view you in the same way that I have since the day we met. I'm not judging, nor am I condemning. I just cannot support anything that my Lord sees as sin. That has always been my view. And always will be. And this, is the Love of Christ; That He loved us so much, that He died once for us, so that we might be free of our sins forever. God bless you all."

bra i love this so much. this is exactly how i feel.

[Green Sparrow 795]

**********DISCLAIMER!!**********This is just the opinion of ONE person. I am posting this to state my views on the recent matters at hand. I mean absolutely no harm or shame to anyone at all. If you are the kind of person who gets offended easily, then don't read this. If you are an atheist and don't believe in God, then don't read this. For everyone else, read closely to watch I'm trying to say. 

 

"The difference between loving the sinner, but hating the sin: I have a question for you. If your brother came to you and said, " I killed someone.", would you turn him away and tell him to die? If your sister walked up to you and told you, "I'm in to drugs.", would you cut her off and disown her? So if your friend comes to you and tells you he's gay, would you condemn him to death? Let me make this perfectly clear: There are two and only two types of love in this world; the love the world, and the love of Christ.

The love of the world follows this path: If you love someone, you go along with whatever they say and do and don't question their actions or beliefs-regardless of if you agree with them or not. Just an example: If you are against abortion, you're against women's rights. If you're pro guns, you're a terrorist. That is what the so called love of the world preaches. But the love of Christ follows a different path: Love those whose views and beliefs are different from yours. But, does that mean we most call what we view as sin, ok? No. Love the sinner, but hate the sin. This is the one aspect that many people in this world cannot understand-even some Christians have a hard time grasping this concept.

There is no question that homosexuality goes against the views of Christianity and what God has taught us in the Bible. It is there, plain as day. There is no working around this. No cherry picking of Scripture, no twisting of the Gospel. The words of God stand true. As a Christian, I cannot, in true faith and honor to my Lord, condone what has happened today. And I will not apologize for my faith. I am a Christian-I will follow the path God has laid out for my life. And that means that I must adhere to the teachings of the Word. I know in my heart that homosexuality is a sin. But does that mean I will condemn you to hell if you are? No. You will never hear me say, "You will rot in hell for your sins. God hates you, so go die." I would not be able to live with myself if I ever were to say any of that. I love all people with the love of Christ. This includes homosexuals. You will never hear me tell you how to run your lives or live this way just because that makes me more comfortable. That is not, nor has that ever been who I am. To those of my friends who are gay: I love you all so much! You are beautiful people made in image of our Lord and I am so thankful I have met you. God has not abandoned you! He has a plan and a purpose for your life! Don't ever forget that. Seek Him first above all else, and you will surely find him. But, because I view homosexuality as a sin against God, I cannot support your lifestyle. I cannot be glad about what has happened today. My love for you will never change. I still view you in the same way that I have since the day we met. I'm not judging, nor am I condemning. I just cannot support anything that my Lord sees as sin. That has always been my view. And always will be. And this, is the Love of Christ; That He loved us so much, that He died once for us, so that we might be free of our sins forever. God bless you all."

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!You are awesome Alicia. Not just because you present yourself in a loving manner, but because you're brave enough to share your thoughts, even when they might go against the popular opinion. More Christians should react to this event in this manner. I'm Catholic and would like to say something profound as well, but Alicia, KingdomHearts3, and others have already said all that needs to be said. PRAYERS FOR EVERYONE AND GOD BLESS!!!!

[Alicia Maddox 2,141]

Awww! Thank you guys so very much! I'm really touched that so many of you are understanding what I'm trying to say! I really mean no one any harm, I'm just putting out what's in my heart. <3

[Nick Sideris 1,551]

You know , there's really no difference in the love you've got for God Himself or the love you have for the whole world . If you're a Christian (I am a Christian) then you already need to know that God IS love . During The Last Supper, God said : "Να αγαπάτε αλλήλους " . This phrase means to love one another , sinner or not , gay or not gay .To me , that's the most important thing in life . 

Edited June 27, 2015 by Nick Sideris

[Saber Lily 1,543]

Amen sister.

 

Preach. And don't stop preaching.

[Hardrada 117]

"There is no working around this. No cherry picking of Scripture, no twisting of the Gospel. "

There is cherry picking of scripture though isn't there?  In the same book condemning the sin of homosexuality It says you also shouldn't:  

 

"Eat an animal which doesn't both chew cud and have a divided hoof", eat shellfish, wear clothing of mixed fabrics, cross-breed animals, plant different crops in the same field, trim your beard, etc.

 

I don't see anyone condemning these sins. Shouldn't we be consistent?

[Alicia Maddox 2,141]

^Actually, all that scripture you quoted is based not on religious belief, but on science. It has been proven by science that certain animals are at a much greater risk of carrying diseases and parasites than others. Among theses species were goats, cows and pigs. Back during the time of the Old testament, preserving food was still in its infancy and only certain meats and foods could be better preserved with the resources people had at the time. The same thing goes for crops. Farmers know its never wise to plant different types of seeds in the same field because of several factors; one, you may not get a sufficient yield in the fall, and two, the soil might become depleted of nutrients too quickly. Everything God laid out for man's daily life and well being in the Old Testament was based on scientific fact.

[Hardrada 117]

^Actually, all that scripture you quoted is based not on religious belief, but on science. It has been proven by science that certain animals are at a much greater risk of carrying diseases and parasites than others. Among theses species were goats, cows and pigs. Back during the time of the Old testament, preserving food was still in its infancy and only certain meats and foods could be better preserved with the resources people had at the time. The same thing goes for crops. Farmers know its never wise to plant different types of seeds in the same field because of several factors; one, you may not get a sufficient yield in the fall, and two, the soil might become depleted of nutrients too quickly. Everything God laid out for man's daily life and well being in the Old Testament was based on scientific fact.

Trimming your beard? mixing fabrics? Working the sabbath? 

[Alicia Maddox 2,141]

The Sabbath was given to man as a day of rest from the burdens of the week. Jesus himself said that "The Sabbath was made for man. Not man for the Sabbath." As for the mixing of fabrics, that was purely symbolic. see, you must understand the times  in which those laws were written. After the Israelites fled Egypt, they came into contact with many unbelieving peoples and cultures. At that time, the Israelites were easily influenced by outside sources and were all the time wondering away from God. When they came to the land of Canaan, God set down a series of laws and regulations to help the Israelites stay on the path of good, and to keep them safe from the evil of the Canaanites. See, the Canaanites were a wicked and immoral people and did every kind of bad thing you could think of. And one of the pagan practices that they did was to mix different kinds of fabrics and clothes as well as cross breeding animals because of a belief that it would honor and encourage their pagan gods. For the Israelites, not to mix their clothing was a sign stating that they were different from those around them and worshipped a God different from those of their neighbors.

[Hardrada 117]

The Sabbath was given to man as a day of rest from the burdens of the week. Jesus himself said that "The Sabbath was made for man. Not man for the Sabbath." As for the mixing of fabrics, that was purely symbolic. see, you must understand the times  in which those laws were written. After the Israelites fled Egypt, they came into contact with many unbelieving peoples and cultures. At that time, the Israelites were easily influenced by outside sources and were all the time wondering away from God. When they came to the land of Canaan, God set down a series of laws and regulations to help the Israelites stay on the path of good, and to keep them safe from the evil of the Canaanites. See, the Canaanites were a wicked and immoral people and did every kind of bad thing you could think of. And one of the pagan practices that they did was to mix different kinds of fabrics and clothes as well as cross breeding animals because of a belief that it would honor and encourage their pagan gods. For the Israelites, not to mix their clothing was a sign stating that they were different from those around them and worshipped a God different from those of their neighbors.

Clearly practices and opinions have changed then.  That's exactly what's happening now.  We now know that mixing fabrics can create stronger materials. (meaning the christian's enemies were right when it came to fashion?)  Maybe allowing gay marriage can create a more cohesive, inclusive society.

 

If we don't condemn the clothing practice, why are we still condemning homosexuality?

Edited June 27, 2015 by Hardrada