I don't understand

[Guest dove2]

Uh, yeah I think so...what comes to mind is this...

Example {I'm not making this up}

My mom, a widow, now lives with her boyfriend. She wants to come and visit us. She brings her livein boyfriend. If hubby and I welcome her into our home and allow her and boyfriend to share a room together ....is that an example of what you mean?

She's coming down next month and I'm real worried about it.

My grandmother is very elderly and did allow them to share the guest room together but she felt so uncomfortable about it because she's a CHristian.

Cat,

I went through the same thing with my dad. He brought his girlfriend to the house and my children were teenagers. I told my dad that he and his girlfriend were more than welcome to spend the night but they had to sleep in different bedrooms. They gracefully accepted and did not argue with me about it.

If it is in your house, you are not being disrepectful to your parent by standing up for the Lord.

It would not have made any difference if my kids had been grown I still would not have let them spend the night in my house in the same bedroom.

dove2

Has your mom already visited you and how did it go if so?

[tsth]

Dear Cats,

This topic made me think of what I was trying to convey in a post about "Thirsting for Righteousness".

[Guest shilou]

I just had this conversation with someone. I pointed out we are Christ's representatives here on earth. We have chosen to follow Christ and Christ in turn is saying look these are my people, this is what they look like. Now if we don't follow scripture and claim Christ we are doing more damage then good. My example was this. I'm at work and someone get's angry with me and lashes out. Do I A go along and fight with the person or B turn the other cheek and just simply say I'm sorry I'm making you angry, or C say nothing and run to the next person and talk about the first person. I can treat others with love regardless if I know they are wrong, nor do I have to participate in the sin. If I lash back then I am representing the way of the world not of Christ. If I turn it into gossip, well we all know the answer to that. If I say I'm sorry I may be swallowing my pride but the whole situation is disfused.

As for the unmarried sleeping in my house no way and I don't care who it is and how they may be offended by it. I would much rather risk offending my mother then the Lord. I can hear in my childrens voices when they say something like my mother would never have allowed that in our house their pride in me. They may not have liked it at the time, but they are glad to have a godly mother. Instead of saying I'm a christian and that is just not acceptable to me, I say I'm a christian and that is not acceptable with the Lord. When someone wants to argue the point I say I'm sorry you'll have to take that up with Him.

Love in Yeshua

Shilou

[tsth]

We have chosen to follow Christ and Christ in turn is saying look these are my people, this is what they look like. Now if we don't follow scripture and claim Christ we are doing more damage then good.

Hi Shilou, yes I agree with your statement above.

[brontosaurus]

Cat, you are so insightful to bring this up...

It really makes one think deeply about how far our morals should extend...  to just ourselves, our houses, our personal properties, etc.?  I guess the answer, once you really think it out is clear - but it takes guts to make a stand like that.

Trying to imagine myself in a situation like that, I though of my aunt (Dad's younger sister).  She is one of my dearest relatives, and I respect and love her so much.  But she does have boyfriends that stay at her place sometimes.  If I had my own family, and she ever wanted to visit, I would have to tell her she could not stay in my house with her boyfriend, EVEN IN SEPARATE ROOMS.  They could come to dinner, and spend the day with us, but they would have to spend the night in a hotel.  This may sound harsh, but it is the only way I would feel completely at ease about my children not getting the wrong kind of ideas, or thinking their daddy condones any relationship where there is sex out of mairrage.

If she came alone, I would let her stay in one of the bedrooms.

Sorry if that's hard, that's just the way I feel.

[Richard1458]

Guys,

Thanks for your thoughts. You've helped me with a struggle I've been facing for quite awhile now.

                Your Brother in Christ,

                    Richard1458

                         

[tsth]

Dear Richard,

I am glad you have found understanding.  It is always good to find Truth and peace in knowing it.  May you be encouraged.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[Guest Boron]

Catsmeow.  the examples you present, I believe that the one from the Old Testament was issued under  the era of Law, while That of Jesus'  sermon on the mount, although issued under  the era of Law also, but was looking forward, in a few years,after the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus,  to the era of grace, therefore the contradiction.  In fact, you will find many examples given under Law, that have a newer counterpart under the Church era of grace.  Another example is  Exodus 20:11 and Hebrews, 3:15-4:11.

[Catsmeow]

Yes, but the Bible says that the Lord is the same yesterday and today and always. So, even though the covenant of grace has replaced the Law in terms of reconciliation with God the Father, the covenant doesn't do away with the Old Testament.

What I'm saying is that God is the same God yesterday and today. To take that a step further, wouldn't it be safe to say  that God would be as angry if I allowed my mother and her boyfriend to stay overnight today and He was when He was angry with King Jehosaphat's acceptance of wickedness?

Even though we are under a new covenant, I don't think that means we discard the Old Testament.

[martyr]

Cat, I'm with you.  It would be condoning their behavior to let them share a room in your house.  It would be different probably if you explained your position and why you held it, and let them sleep in separate rooms.  However, if they choose not to do that, I'd find them some hotel rates in the area.