When do we give up on siblings?

[Gentlemantech48]

I have brothers who are 10 and 12 years older than myself (I am 61). These two men and their wives have hardened their heart to the Word of God for most of their life. I am tired of pretending that I love them. They blaspheme the name of God and say they are gods unto themselves. I have decided to disassociate myself with them. Some would say I should continue to love them and be an example but after more than 30 years I just find myself angry that they mock God and spout empty philosophies about "who god is". Anyone else come to that point?

 

[sealacamp]

I Don't think we ever give up on anyone. However sometimes we have to let them go so they can crash and burn then turn to the Lord on their own. Much like the prodigal son whose father never gave up on him but let him go. It seems to me that one of the worst things we can do is to hang on to someone and keep enabling them to follow their particular insanity.

Sealacamp

 

[cobweb]

Read 1 John 4. If you do not love, you do not know God.

That means you can't stop loving them.

 

[Forgotten]

I'm having a similar problem with my sisters.
Though I am much younger than you, and my sisters arent so
cold hearted about it, as more doubtful and living extremely un Christ-like lives.
It's very hard to deal with, and I want to give up, but through Christ, I keep going.

 

[Gentlemantech48]

OK, in response to the one answer that if I do not love I do not know God. Let's clarify. There are different kinds of love. God told us to love even our enemies that they might see the love of God. On the other hand consider how Jesus treated the Pharisees. Did He speak gentle love to them?....NO. I understand what it means to love a sinner and I do that all the time. The loss of "love" for my brothers is different. It is that "family love" that I have lost. They have nothing in common with me. Their world view is distorted and unGodly. Don't judge me so harshly.

 

[Gentlemantech48]

You can still love someone but separate yourself from them. They need to know that we cannot sanction Un-Christ-Like behavior.

(Matthew 10:34) - "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35"For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household."

 

[sealacamp]

There are different kinds of love. God told us to love even our enemies that they might see the love of God. On the other hand consider how Jesus treated the Pharisees. Did He speak gentle love to them?....NO.

Most people these days are confused about love. They believe that is the ishy squishy type of love that just makes everyone feel good and there is no other sort. It appears to be forgotten by most that God shows His love to us through discipline not just making us feel good. Do we really love someone when we just allow them to continue on an errant path and never say or do anything to try to correct them? Of course that also includes letting them go on to disaster where it is hoped that they would surrender and turn to the Lord for salvation and healing. What you have said is correct and when Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees it was out of love that He condemned their behavior.

Sealacamp

 

[Gentlemantech48]

Good reply brother. Thank you.

 

[Blank123]

I think whats causing confusion here is that you said, " I am tired of pretending that I love them." if you love, you don't have to pretend. Sure it may be tough especially if they are outright mocking you, but you can choose to love them in spite of that.