Love: Judgment vs Non-judgment

[nebula]

OK, I often have problems with words, so if anyone has better words for the title of this thread, I'll change it.

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Since aspects of this have become hot-topics lately, I thought maybe we could discuss the principles of this.

(And again, if the positions can be worded better, I'll be happy to change it.)

One side claims that calling sin "sin," not compromising, not letting people get away with embracing sin in the name of tolerance, etc. is love.

The other side claims that accepting people as they are and not "throwing stones", etc. is love.

I'm wondering if there is a balance between them - but uncertain of what that balance is.

Thoughts? Comments? etc.?

[Guest yod]

The scriptures tell us that God is love

He is the giver of the Torah and there are large portions of the Law which tell us how He judges sin....with mercy for those who love Him and with severity for those who do not.

The only difference between OT and NT is that the Law is fulfilled by doing righteousness instead of by simply avoiding sin.

In other words, we should be more focused on what to "do" than what "not to do"

[Guest LadyC]

neb, both sides are right... at least partially. the "balance" comes in how it's said. if you're telling someone that sin is sin and there is no compromise, but you're doing it with an attitude and tone that belittles and berates and discourages the person from seeking forgiveness, then that's not "love". it doesn't mean it's judgment, at least on the human side (God's judgment never changes, of course), but it can certainly come across as holier-than-thou.

but to be able to speak God's truth while still maintaining compassion towards the person, that can sometimes be tricky. it is what se should strive to do though!

[ayin jade]

There should be a balance for sure. But in no way should that balance include glossing over sin and pretending its not there. The other extreme to be avoided is beating them over the head about it.

Ok I hope this is clear. Ive had only 2.5 hrs sleep. Someone stole the catalytic converter from my husbands truck. Im currently waiting to fill out a police report. The truck is at the mechanics waiting to be fixed. I had to deal with that this morning while hubby took a cab to work.

[Fez]

Mat 5:37 Instead, let your word be 'Yes' for 'Yes' and 'No' for 'No.' Anything more than that comes from the evil one."

Mat 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Even the tax collectors do the same, don't they?

Confront sin always, but...

Pro 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Pro 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

Pro 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Pro 15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Pro 15:5 A fool despises his father's instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

[Smalcald]

Do those troubled with guilt and sin feel comfortable coming to us and our congregation?

[~candice~]

1 Cor 13:6

⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

[Smalcald]

I think though that is the test. If we don't proclaim the truth about sin then we are not helping anyone. However if we do not proclaim the entire forgiveness of sins through Christ we are leaving people in despair and death.

Those who do not feel guilt and shame who do not have a contrite heart must hear the Law, they must be pierced for this is the path to repentance, those who feel guilt and shame and have a contrite heart because of their sins must have the grace of God proclaimed to them to throw off their sins.

Do people who are burdened with their sins feel totally comfortable, totally welcomed in our congregations?

[nebula]

But -

It is God's kindness/goodness that leads us to repentance. (Romans 2:4)

I have personal experience with people being turned off from God by being hounded with how bad a sinner they are.

[~candice~]

But -

It is God's kindness/goodness that leads us to repentance. (Romans 2:4)

I have personal experience with people being turned off from God by being hounded with how bad a sinner they are.

⁸ Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it