Down through time, there has always been hot button issues. Slavery. Child labor. Corporate greed. Fundamentalism. Segregation. Abortion. Sex outside marriage. Drugs. Rock ‘n Roll. Same sex relationships. I’m sure you can name a number of others, even more important to you than the above. But all the hot button issues usually come down to one word:
SIN
Invariably, when a hot button takes front and center, the others take a back seat or are simply glossed over for a time. “Let’s focus on this one” we say, and as we do another steps aside or is simply put on the back burner. Take today, for example. Because of appalling breech in the privacy of the Supreme Court by the leak of a draft about Roe v. Wade, people protest, fire-bomb, hang in effigy, and even try to assassinate one of a justices. Meanwhile, the real moral issue-not social issue-moral issue of abortion is laid aside. “Who cares what the Bible says about life and dignity.” Come to think of it the whole same sex discussion is the same.
When we do those things we forget sin is sin, and it is all an affront to God. Abortion. Same sex relationships. Anger. Lust. Gluttony. Blasphemy.
All sin. And all sin we are to abhor, or “detest” as the NASB2020 translates Romans 12:9. “Abhor/detest what is evil. None of us can look in the mirror on any given day and say, “You did not sin today.” If you can, please tell me your secret!
Read again Romans 12:9: “Love must be free from hypocrisy (Love must be genuine in some translations). Detest (abhor) what is evil; cling to what is good.” (NASB)
Let’s just start hating sin. Period. In all its sizes, shapes, and colors.
I often struggle with separating the sin from those who sin… Self included. I have to remember that Jesus did not come for those who are perfect… He came for those that are up to their eyeballs and over their head in sin. I won’t compromise what is Truth… However, I must find a way to Love the individual despite hating the sin. This can be so difficult at times.
You are right Ryan. it is hard. I have come to realize that the “Hate the sin; love the sinner” is an affront to them because it is wrapped up in their identity. I can’t and won’t excuse the sin, but I want them to know they matter to God and to me. It is a struggle no matter how you look at it.