Disapproval doesn't change minds,
it hardens hearts.
My Aunt Kate, who isn't a believer, is in this weekend with her girlfriend, Nori. It's so great to see both of them and they're wonderful people. Having them here has highlighted my continuing journey this semester of what does it mean to "treat them as you would a non-believer" - the phrase that comes at the end of Matthew 18 in talking about confronting a brother about sin. What does it mean to love?
It seems to me that Christ reserved his harshest critiques and criticism for those in the church, while extending love and affirmation to those outside of it. He met with tax collectors, prostitutes, and Samaritans and spoke to them of where they were at.
As I've watched others, it seems that as Christians it's all to easily to critique the world. Well, duh, they don't get it. The things of Christ are foolishness to those who are perishing. I believe we need to be really, really cautious of criticizing a world from our playing field - from the perspective of the Triune God and the holiness of Scripture. When we do that, it seems to me that the unbelievers simply harden down in their position - because they don't see love in the exchange, only disapproval. At the same time, those believers giving the criticism also seem to harden in their position, feeling like they have to prove their point or change the other person (a role set aside solely for the Holy Spirit in Scripture).
Gotta run, but this is what I've been trying to work out in my own life. To love non-believers by connecting with them in their world - affirming the incredible gifts, talents, passions, and interests their Creator has imbued them with - and, after gaining a report with them, hoping for an opportunity to speak into their life words of wisdom and life change - but all the while, praying that Christ would shine through in my love and interest in them.
[Sorry it's been so long since my last post. Just been really, really nuts the last month. ]
it hardens hearts.
My Aunt Kate, who isn't a believer, is in this weekend with her girlfriend, Nori. It's so great to see both of them and they're wonderful people. Having them here has highlighted my continuing journey this semester of what does it mean to "treat them as you would a non-believer" - the phrase that comes at the end of Matthew 18 in talking about confronting a brother about sin. What does it mean to love?
It seems to me that Christ reserved his harshest critiques and criticism for those in the church, while extending love and affirmation to those outside of it. He met with tax collectors, prostitutes, and Samaritans and spoke to them of where they were at.
As I've watched others, it seems that as Christians it's all to easily to critique the world. Well, duh, they don't get it. The things of Christ are foolishness to those who are perishing. I believe we need to be really, really cautious of criticizing a world from our playing field - from the perspective of the Triune God and the holiness of Scripture. When we do that, it seems to me that the unbelievers simply harden down in their position - because they don't see love in the exchange, only disapproval. At the same time, those believers giving the criticism also seem to harden in their position, feeling like they have to prove their point or change the other person (a role set aside solely for the Holy Spirit in Scripture).
Gotta run, but this is what I've been trying to work out in my own life. To love non-believers by connecting with them in their world - affirming the incredible gifts, talents, passions, and interests their Creator has imbued them with - and, after gaining a report with them, hoping for an opportunity to speak into their life words of wisdom and life change - but all the while, praying that Christ would shine through in my love and interest in them.
[Sorry it's been so long since my last post. Just been really, really nuts the last month. ]
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