REFLECTIONS

Loving the Sinner–Part 2

So besides praying for them, how did Jesus show his love for sinners? Well, not by overlooking their sins. Remember when Jesus found the Pharisees profiting from the sale of sacrificial animals in the temple? He was not overlooking the sin when he turned over their tables and reprimanded them for treating his Father’s house disrespectfully.

And remember the woman at the well? Jesus told her of living water from which she would never thirst again; but neither did He overlook her sinfulness when he called her out for the number of husbands she had had and that the man she lived with was not her husband. (John 4:4-17)

And when a woman caught in adultery was brought to him, Jesus first convicted us all of being sinners when he asked, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7) Then Jesus revealed his love for the sinner when He said, “Then neither do I condemn you.” Lastly, Jesus addressed the sin when He directed the woman to, “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:11)

Jesus loved the sinner, but not the sin. The principles had been long established.

He who spares the rod hates his son,

but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. (Proverbs 13:24)

Do not withhold discipline from a child;

if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.

Punish him with the rod

and save his soul from death. (Proverbs 23:13-14)

“Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!” (Matthew 18:7)

We can’t love any human being without loving a sinner. But loving the sinner does not call for tolerance of sins. We love the sinner by offering correction that may save their soul. We love the sinner when we “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19-20) We have loved the sinner when they find Jesus—the of source of everlasting life.

You are the light of the world,

Richard +

www.reflectingthesavior.org.

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