God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
STOP hating on people because they struggle with different sins than you, that IS NOT God's love in action. Christian's name calling 'sinners' sin, i.e. slamming it in their face and trying to shame them with it, is disgusting. Doing all that is not going to attract anybody. I’m fed up with people beating others up with the Word and judging them and then wondering why they don't say yes to Jesus … well, duh. None of us have it all right anyway. Who are we to cast the first stone?
LOVE wins one out - not shaming, blaming and judging. Love can melt the hardest heart, heal the wounds of the broken heart and quiet the fears of the anxious heart.
It's sad that so often the world has more love, affection and respect than the church does. I've watched friend after friend leave the church because they didn't feel loved and weren't accepted, instead were left out and rejected. I myself was abused for years at a church I went to for twenty years. I tried to stay and endure with the thought in mind that I'm there to serve and worship Jesus and not to win a popularity contest. The hate and abuse just about got the best of me and then the Lord stepped in and said that was enough and got me out of there through a final horrible experience. I chose to forgive and bless the church that I left behind and I pray that healing takes place so others won't be hurt like I was. I've since moved on and now am blessed with a loving, supportive church family and I thank God for them.
Instead of shame and dishonor, you will inherit a double portion of prosperity and everlasting joy. Isaiah 61:7
We're responsible for those around us ... be Jesus with skin on ... try saying a kind word, put your arm around someone, really listen to them and what they have to say. So often we just need someone to hear us. To say they understand. Just be a good example. The world is HURTING people, stop making the pain worse, stop driving them further into their wounded lifestyle and just lead them to the Healer.
Differences don’t have to be dividers ...
Father, my heart hurts for the wounded, the outcast, the forgotten ... bring them peace and healing. Pour out Your love on them. Place them in loving, supportive churches where they can thrive and grow. In Jesus’ name, amen.