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Agreed. Maybe you misunderstood what I was saying (Or maybe I miswrote something. I just can't find it). The Holy Spirit works through us.Unbelievers are not indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
It seems to dominate the Christian mindset. The idea of loving your own brothers and sisters in Christ more than others is considered anathema to most.I mean, how much is love of neighbor the controlling idea of Christianity today? It's not apparent that it has any influence.
As it should be.It seems to dominate the Christian mindset. The idea of loving your own brothers and sisters in Christ more than others is considered anathema to most.
Let's explore it a bit here then.I have asked many believers about the Gospel and many, even pastors have not been able to say it.
So What Jesus actually preached was "The time has come, The kingdom of God is at hand" followed by "repent and believe".Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Why? Is our love to be entirely equal to everyone?As it should be.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matt 5:43-45)Why? Is our love to be entirely equal to everyone?
No one is denying that we are to love our enemies. But should we love them more or equally to our friends/family/siblings in faith?You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matt 5:43-45)
I recall the end of that speech ended saying those who listen to His words receive a certain effect, and those who don't receive a certain effect .. and this certain effect is probably connected to any said decline.
We should emulate God. God is love. be consistent.No one is denying that we are to love our enemies. But should we love them more or equally to our friends/family/siblings in faith?
Are humans capable of love like God is?We should emulate God. God is love. be consistent.
People born again by the Holy Spirit could do it if they tried.Are humans capable of love like God is?
I'm just checking that I have understood your post correctly. Are you saying that human beings can, if they are born again, love absolutely perfectly, as God does, for He is perfect, and everything He does is perfect?People born again by the Holy Spirit could do it if they tried.
Regular people would have a lot of problems treating all others with equality.
Since we cannot tell which is which, setting reasonable expectations would be difficult.
However, it is written for whom it is written. "imitate God"
There are indeed greater heights, but even the most basic of basics seems to come off as a chore so ..
No. that's incorrect.I'm just checking that I have understood your post correctly. Are you saying that human beings can, if they are born again, love absolutely perfectly, as God does, for He is perfect, and everything He does is perfect?
Christians would be better off learning to love each other first and foremost instead of trying to cater to those who will never love them in return.
We are, but we are limited creatures with limited capacities. It was said earlier that Christianity is too insular, yet the insular nature of Christianity has been there since the beginning and ultimately aided in it's survival. Love, the highest love, is reserved not for my enemies but for those I care most about, my family, my brothers and sisters in Christ and this is entirely natural and good.Is love based upon reciprocity really our aim? Did Christ not love those who persecuted and ultimately crucified Him, and are we not called to be like Christ?
So as a rule, the true Christian is one who loves everyone equally, his enemies equally to his brothers and sisters in Christ? He will not only think of what benefits himself and those aligned with him, but what benefits his enemies? I'm curious how this was ever put into practice within the Christian community historically because I don't see this sort of equal love being expressed.People born again by the Holy Spirit could do it if they tried.
Regular people would have a lot of problems treating all others with equality.
Since we cannot tell which is which, setting reasonable expectations would be difficult.
However, it is written for whom it is written. "imitate God"
There are indeed greater heights, but even the most basic of basics seems to come off as a chore so ..
We are, but we are limited creatures with limited capacities. It was said earlier that Christianity is too insular, yet the insular nature of Christianity has been there since the beginning and ultimately aided in it's survival. Love, the highest love, is reserved not for my enemies but for those I care most about, my family, my brothers and sisters in Christ and this is entirely natural and good.
It's a shame isn't it?I don't see this sort of equal love being expressed.
Is it a shame? Why shouldn't the most intimate forms of love be expressed within different contexts or relationships? We don't think twice about the love that is reserved for marriage or the love that belongs within families, yet it is somehow wrong to suggest we ought love our brothers and sisters in Christ more than Non Christians?It's a shame isn't it?
Could it not be said about Israel that they loved their neighbours more than they loved God or the community of God and this is what lead to their corruption and downfall?The scriptures on a similar note had a rule in the law that those who were foreigners and citizens would have one law .. but Israel of the bible didn't practice that either.
I wonder when the sermon on the mount stopped being the foundation of the faith?Is it a shame? Why shouldn't the most intimate forms of love be expressed within different contexts or relationships? We don't think twice about the love that is reserved for marriage or the love that belongs within families, yet it is somehow wrong to suggest we ought love our brothers and sisters in Christ more than Non Christians?
Could it not be said about Israel that they loved their neighbours more than they loved God or the community of God and this is what lead to their corruption and downfall?
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