Christ tells us that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. But it seems there is some debate as to what good acts are allowed and what good acts should be left for another day.
here are two examples:
Does this seem like an unfair hypothetical? It's not so unrealistic even though it is on the extreme end. If we accept however the extreme how far can we dial it back and it still be called good?
He is an unbeliever so saving his life doesn't have to be lifting fallen wood of his body or cheering him up when he's depressed. It may mean engaging with him using opportunities that are right in front of you rather than ones that are out of reach for the sake of the gospel. Many people choose to do jobs like this on the Sabbath because they have the time to do it and they want to take advantaged of good weather (assuming there is some). So the scenario is quite plausible (even if the depression part is less plausible).
When we refuse to engage in these areas we create a sacred and secular divide implicitly showing that God cannot reach them. I would rather pick up a hammer and walk over to my neighbour and show him God can reach him right where he is.
here are two examples:
1. My unbelieving neighbour is building a shed on the Sabbath and has no help but it looks like he could use some help. Is it good for me to help him on the Sabbath?
2. While building the shed the roof falls down on him, is it good for me to run to his aid and help him?
I would take most would allow option 2, but it seems option 1 is not so widely accepted. What if I were to add that my neighbour was depressed and although the roof didn't collapse on him the building of the shed didn't help his depression and later that night he committed suicide. Knowing this information can we return to option 1 and say it would have been good to help him build the shed on the Sabbath?2. While building the shed the roof falls down on him, is it good for me to run to his aid and help him?
Does this seem like an unfair hypothetical? It's not so unrealistic even though it is on the extreme end. If we accept however the extreme how far can we dial it back and it still be called good?
He is an unbeliever so saving his life doesn't have to be lifting fallen wood of his body or cheering him up when he's depressed. It may mean engaging with him using opportunities that are right in front of you rather than ones that are out of reach for the sake of the gospel. Many people choose to do jobs like this on the Sabbath because they have the time to do it and they want to take advantaged of good weather (assuming there is some). So the scenario is quite plausible (even if the depression part is less plausible).
When we refuse to engage in these areas we create a sacred and secular divide implicitly showing that God cannot reach them. I would rather pick up a hammer and walk over to my neighbour and show him God can reach him right where he is.