Love the Sinner
The subject of loving the rapist (sinner) but not the act of rape (sin) is actually the variation of the common phrase, ‘love the sinner, hate the sin’. Rape is just an example of the worst sin that man could think of. Some soft sins that are widely accepted include homosexuality and compromising on the truth. According to the American Psychological Association, homosexuality is recognised as a way of being and a part of who we are that’s not subject to change. Many claim that it is how we are born, and there’s no way to change it. We can change ourselves to fit into society better, and society can change to be more accommodating, but that’s it, there is no getting rid of homosexuality. I differ and believe that the truth, ‘it could be challenging to get rid of homosexuality but it can be done away with if we purpose to please our creator’.
All that is evil should make man uncomfortable and engulfed with fear because it is an act that directly offends God. It is a sensitive issue today to pass on the message of hating sin to the next person because sin is the delight of many. Sin has become part of life to many. People, even some Christians, would tell you that what you think or perceive as sin to you is not sin to them. This is not normal because we read the same Bible, serve under the same Holy Spirit and pray to the same God. Sadly, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed not a tasty message to the one who pursue comfortable living in this world. That is why we see so much resistance to Christianity in the world.
God and sin
God hates sin as well as the sinner (Psalm 5:5; 7:11). If you are living in sin, you are an enemy of God. Why should we care if God hates you for your sins? It is because God cannot behold sin of any kind and all that die in sin will be sent to eternal punishment and the truth still stands, “without holiness no man shall see God” (Hebrews 12:14). It is written as quoted, not by man or any man’s opinion but by God Himself.
God does not change and will not reverse His word for anyone (Numbers 23:19). I once was advised by some theologian that I should not argue or entertain a person that does not believe that the holy Bible is inspired by God and therefore His true Word. I assume that advice today even for you that reads this post today. If you don’t believe in the Holy Bible, you may as well close this page.
The Christian and the sinner
Christians are called to love the sinner but the sin. It is not an effort to get rid of rapists, gays, lesbians, liars and thieves but an effort to free the person from these sins. How do you show your love for sinners? Pray for them (“If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life” – 1John.5:16), pray for their salvation (1 Jn.5:16) and exhort them to the truth (Matthew 28:19).
Be blessed.
Revised : 6th July 2018
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