Hiya Micheal,
Yes I agree that we should care for and love others, whomsoever they are. But, we can't, knowing God just stand by and agree with the things they do wrong before God! Yes Jesus had mercy and forgiveness but he did say to the woman once she was forgiven "go sin no more" as you said, so we can't just sit back and be all over others as if it's ok before God to do such things as commit gay acts, it's not ok is wrong before God to do such things and we must speak up and speak the truth, but also help and be kind when we see the need and always be there for them. But sin is sin, and once we know the truth we are to turn away from sin and speak the truth with the hope that others will do the same. We bare witness to the truth, bring the love and mercy of Christ, and tell others that what they are doing is wrong before God if we see it, and then leave God to judge. But I couldn't and wouldn't be all over people and be all nice and sweet to them if they are purposely going against God.
Please read Romans 1 God turned those who knew the truth over to their reprobate minds when they desired the flesh before him. Those that choose their flesh before God and Christ aren't worthy of him until they are willing to put God and Christ before their flesh. God must come first in our lives. To commit gay acts is a sin before God, and it says this clearly in the bible too.
So no we don't hurt others, we help them but we don't condone what they are doing sinfully, we must speak up regardless of what happens to us and speak the truth, we don't join in and say how lovely it is etc. We speak up, tell the truth and then leave the judgement to God.
Jesus walked among sinners to help them turn from their sins but he didn't join in or condone them. He clearly taught that we should sin no more once we've heard the truth and believe. Those who don't believe are in darkness and will carry on committing these acts, but it's wrong to do so, but there is hope for all, hopefully one day they will believe and obey God and God wants us all back.
Dear marhig,
I wanted to get back to you on this, and I wasn't able to do much last night. I want you to know that God said to 'not commit adultery' in the OT. Jesus still forgave the adulteress. God said not for 'a man not to lie with a man' in the OT. Jesus still forgives the gays now, both male and female. God forgives the thieves now, too, even though He said in the OT, not to steal. God said not to commit gluttony in the OT, even though now He forgives those who are obese. God said to not eat pork in the OT, even though now He forgives those who eat pork. Eating pork and man laying with man were said to be abominations.
Now, I am trying to tell you here that God still has those laws and they are valid, but I want to tell you also that He forgives people for divorcing, adultery, theft, being gay, eating pork, now in these times. God loves us and forgives us regardless. This does not mean that the laws are wrong. It does not say in the OT that a woman cannot lie with another woman, but God still loves us and forgives us if we do. God loves us and forgives us, even if we break certain laws, and even if we make that mistake more than once.
So, if you are gay, and you turn away from it, that is well. And if you eat pork, and you turn away from it, that is well. Both of these are abominations. I'm saying that, even if you turn away, then falter or stumble and make the mistake again, and even again, God still forgives you and loves you regardless. Do you know what I am saying here?
You were saying earlier that we should turn away first and sin no more. I am saying that, you are right there, but some do 'sin more.' They should still be forgiven and loved, even if they slip or fall down, or commit the sin again. Jesus said to forgive your brethren not seven times, but even seven times seventy times. God helps people out of their sins, even if it takes a bit of growing time. People can't always just quit 'cold turkey.' Do you understand what I am saying here, by any chance?
God also says we should not commit fornication, and this will not be allowed in Heaven. That is, for one example, a man having sex with more than one woman every month, and vice versa. But if they cease from their sin, and then backslide once and commit such an act again, they are still forgiven by Jesus and God regardless. He is long-suffering, gentle, loving, compassionate, and He cares deeply about His people and children on Earth. Do you understand what I'm trying to say here yet? I am running out of ways to explain it to you. Sometimes a person falls, but afterwards, they get back on their feet and succeed again. And after that, they may fall again, but after that, they get back on their feet and overcome the sin. God loves them during their growth period and does not quit forgiving them. But woe to the person who takes advantage of God's forgiveness, that they don't backslide intentionally or on purpose. God searches the hearts and knows what is going on.
I hope this answers your words that you spoke earlier. When Jesus told the adulteress to, go and sin no more. It is wonderful if she could do just that and never commit adultery again in her life. But if by chance she would falter again, God would still not quit loving or forgiving her. He gives you chances, you know?? People on this Earth have already realized that God loves gay people, fat people, divorced people, people who eat pork, even thieves, etc. Jesus forgave a thief when He was on the Cross. So many people already understand these things. God bless them. For they care, and their hearts are full of loving, forgiving, understanding qualities, and genuine concern.
Okay, I hope these words will help to explain that, when they fall, they shall be helped with a little help, to purge them and make them white. Now, I hope I don't have to discuss this subject again. God forgives us even more than seventy times seven, just as Jesus told us to do. I hope that you can understand this. God also forgives a prophet if he makes a mistake or stumbles, too. Many of you here on TOL have yet to learn about that fact. A prophet does not have to be mistake-free for God to love him or her. True prophets make mistakes too. I am not a False prophet. I am just not Perfect, is all. But I am doing my best, and that is well enough for me, because God loves me and forgives me anyways, and He knows that I WORK for and SERVE HIM!
Much Love & Forgiveness, In Jesus Christ,
Michael
