Can We Not Condemn Anyone

[@mikedavis1050]

I’m an old white guy, so old I remember when living by the golden rule and live and let live would serve you better than hate

[@alexwixom4599]

They still do old man! Praise be that I learned that lesson too. Sadly, nowadays hate=$ 😢 I'm no saint either. It's cathartic to watch people hate on the hate mongers. Maybe it's morally neutral in that case, but it doesn't feel like I'm doing anything that different.

[@peggyclip2616]

God put it on my heart that loving my neighbor as I love myself means that: if a known trump supporter needs help (even for something that became an issue for him or her and me because of trump's policies) I must help them if I can. Wow, that will be hard. I pray for God's help.

[@Miss_Grundy]

God instructs us to love our neighbor. He never said we had to like them.

[@chrisruiz6004]

Where did you get the idea that Jesus taught to dislike our neighbors.

[@libbycollins9349]

That’s true. Liking and loving are very different. But not liking and disliking are not the same, either.

[@jamescox5922]

@@Miss_Grundy I can love ice cream but not love every flavor of ice cream. I can love my family as fellow human beings and God’s children and not enjoy their company. I can enjoy music and not enjoy every type.

[@KailarahAurual]

"The Light shines on all creatures. That does not mean I have to like them."

[@chrisruiz6004]

@KailarahAurual in turn, no one has to like you. Ok, i can go that train of thought.

[@bhhNC]

My granddad [1897-1996] taught me, before an ass-whooping for misbehavior, that "The home is the first school, the first church, and the first courtroom - or not." My take away, beside a sore rump, was that my home was about learning, believing, and consequences. As an adult, I taught middle & elementary school for 30 years... and found that those who feel compelled to condemn, condemn, condemn, often, have not turned that critical eye on themselves. Realize, condemnation-Christians, you remind NO ONE of Jesus, nor the contents of the Bible. Get your OWN house in order, then get your church's collective sins in order; and then you can yammer and worry about national concerns after you've sacrificially given your body/mind/soul to addressing your own community's sins. WE are to take the baby steps, in faith, our communities need.

[@auntiebobbolink]

There's no excuse for physical abuse.

[@bhhNC]

@@auntiebobbolink I agree. The leather belt I got from my dad when I was 4, that was physical abuse. A brief hand spanking from Gpa, a behavioral adjustment. There IS a difference.

[@K.L.M.Online]

If your love makes someone not want to be alive, it’s not love. We have a responsibility for ourselves and our own behaviour. We only have a responsibility to others - not to control them.

[@neuvocastezero1838]

You're probably no fan of Shakespeare.

[@colleenorrick5415]

It’s not our job to condemn. It’s our job to love. God does the judgement and condemnation.

[@auntiebobbolink]

Your last word says it: this is a condemning nation. Puritanism.

[@yabits]

I recall instances in my life where I have done things that I had to repent of. Some of the good people calling my attention to this -- I would say -- were loving me even though at the moment it might have FELT like judgment or condemnation. LOL... I was judging it as judgment or condemnation.

[@KJDogluv]

God doesn’t condemn anyone.

[@KJDogluv]

@@yabitsyou’ve been gaslighted.

[@yabits]

@@KJDogluv - Uh huh... To your g-d, EVERYTHING goes. wow.

[@arwenanduin]

Amen! New follower, I just watched that video, probably influenced my lgbtqa+ ally meme on Threads: When one group legislates their own morality and punishes another group just for EXISTING, that is the ultimate JUDGEMENT of others. And I know we aren't allowed, much less qualified. Btw THIS talk is awesome, hits all the points so hard to explain sometimes.

[@frankcostello2973]

thanks for your thought-provoking message

[@ad-dx9gi]

Jesus says ,he who's without Sin cast the first Stone...We can't judge , Having compassion and Loving one another with Understanding.. Awesome Talk Rev ED Thanks!!!!... God Bless 🕊️

[@MichaelGranger-z3w]

Amen brother 🙏 and Amen brother's and sister's around the world 🌎🌍.

[@VolcanixAquatix]

Matthew 7:1-5: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" Luke 6:37: “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged. Condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned. Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven”

[@chrisruiz6004]

Aman

[@spirals73-s4c]

Matthew 7:15-16a "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them." You do that by having good judgment. John 7:24 "Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”--Jesus' own words. Judgment isn't wrong. Incorrect judgment is. Neither of those is condemnation which has a completely different meaning. Condemnation we are not allowed; that's God's job.

[@LauraNimr]

I love how you explain everything you say

[@thorpe55]

Learning Love is Loving God, Loving Truth is Learning God

[@skydude426]

It’s easy to love God. Loving other humans, who all carry the spirit of God, is difficult.

[@ChrisSmith-gx4bz]

People in glass houses should not throw stones. Everyone has something. Everyone! Live and let live if people are not hurting others. Key words, NOT hurting others. Love is the most powerful tool we as Christians have. Breaks my heart...💔

[@veggieman357]

Love is telling a person the truth about their eternal destiny.

[@MrSeedi76]

That would imply that you know anything about another person's eternal destiny which isn't the case.

[@GrandmaEllen]

My ex does suck. But I forgive. "Just love," is not the advice for women in abusive marriages, especially where the abuse is escalating. Love them enough to leave them and put you and your children out of harm's way.

[@marieugorek5917]

Sometimes the most loving thing you can do for someone is to remove yourself from their life. If someone is intent upon harming another, it is an act of love to remove the opportunity for them to do harm.

[@libbycollins9349]

Take care of yourself. You sound wise.

[@marieugorek5917]

@@libbycollins9349 *sigh* people keep saying that. I just wish our society saw wisdom as a contribution worth, say, health care, support for disabilities, and maybe a stipend of some sort.

[@dawnpence3248]

"You shall love your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself." Evidently, no one loves themself! In churches, they always do chose to sell the wrong messages 😂

[@jamesparson]

There are people lie to me, deceive me, and mislead me. There are people who think it is moral for me to be tortured. I will not love them or even like them

[@AlyraMoondancer]

I know it's hard. And as others have said, you don't have to like them. But hardening your heart towards them won't help in the end. There are many, many people I do not like, and whom I find it very difficult to love, but I have to remind myself that hating them doesn't solve anything. It only makes me more like those I do not like.

[@jamesparson]

@ why isn’t apathy an option?

[@glenmclearn2165]

Thanks for this I used this as part of a youth discussion. It was a good conversation starter.

[@sundayoliver3147]

What a great idea.

[@timothymalone7067]

Another great message about what it means to be Christian and that it can be a difficult process to let go of our ego which loves to compare and judge.

[@TruthShallSetYouFree-q3v]

100% right Rev Ed. So many "Christians" have forgotten that Jesus is the judge, not themselves...

[@SeekingTheLoveThatGodMeans7648]

And Helper, and Propitiator.

[@sdbracht]

None of us deserve Gods mercy and grace

[@c1886]

Amen

[@trappedinamerica7740]

It made me feel disgust that this person is so eager to condemn others which suggests inflicting some kind of harm. They didn’t even seem to care what the sins was. I’ll try not to condemn the person that is so eager to condemn others. But it’s not easy.

[@Faithng8090]

That statement, “There’s no such thing as a gay Christian”, got me thinking & looking deep into the Scriptures. These questions were loudly raised in me as I sought the, “I AM THAT I AM” for HIS TRUTH: Are there liars who are Christians? Are there people who took/will take something that doesn’t belong to them who are Christians? Are there people who eat or drink too much, (gluttons) on occasions who are Christians? Are there people who lusted for anything that wasn’t their’s who are Christians? Are their Christians who at any given time, submit themselves to some kind of idol, people who will at times, love people, money or things more than GOD, as seen in their actions are there people who testify of GOD being their KING, MASTER & FATHER but still obey humans above GOD? Are there people who blindly do the will of men & believe they’re doing GOD’S WILL & wrongfully think they’re operating using the heart & mind of Christ? REMEMBER the woman caught in adultery, the woman with the alabaster box who anointed Christ before HIS crucifixion, the woman at the well, Peter who denied Christ 3 times, the religious leader Saul, the murder who became Paul? Are there people who had sex with someone who is NOT their husband or wife who are not Christians? Are there people who killed someone who are Christians? Are there people who unjustifiably, judged & sort to harm someone in some kind of way who are Christians? Are there people who, when they aren’t supposed to, meddle in other people’s business who are Christians? Are there people who think of themselves better than what they ought who are Christians? Are there people who think it’s always someone else acting outside of GOD’S WILL, but never realize or admit to behaving outside of GOD’S WILL who are Christians? Is GOD a respecter of persons? Are you? Seek the TRUTH for yourself, pray asking GOD for TRUTH & guidance & read the HOLY SCRIPTURES, sit at the feet of CHRIST & learn from HIM! REMEMBER, GOD won’t manipulate HIS WORD to get anything! GOD is TRUTH & every man a liar, so who will u adhere to & whom will you obey? GOD knows your answer & your response. Romans 12:1-3 (v3) John 8: 1-16, 34-45 Mark 14:16-21 (They had sense to ask The LORD, Is it I?, Do we or is it always someone else?) Matthew 7:1-5 (Who was CHRIST talking to?); 7:13-23 (vs15, 20, 21, 23) & 7:29 (Who teaches with & has the authority?) Matthew 12: 46-59 (v50 THE LORD KNOWS WHO ARE HIS, even though some think they are HIS) Matthew 23 (Pharisees & Scribes were religious leaders & just seek for yourself how many times CHRIST warned about the religious leaders in Matthew-John & HE never took those warnings back) 2 Corinthians 7: 1-12 (v1) Luke 8: 16-21 (v21); 18: 9-14 ; 13:23-30 1 John 2:26&27 Matthew 4: 16-25 (v17, 19, 22 & 25; Who did CHRIST, THE MESSIAH, repeatedly tell us to follow in Matthew-John? HE didn’t change HIS instruction; so who are you following?) Galatians 3: 24-29

[@libbycollins9349]

God made us all different but our hearts and minds are in his image. Like Tim Walz says, people should mind their own damned business.

[@brettany_renee_blatchley]

In the eyes of Christian's who could see God forgiving any of these sins, are routinely taught that being LGBT (in any of its myriad forms) is a sin _beyond ALL others_ and is essentially unforgivable, and that cruelty toward such people, is actually the loving and God-fearing response. I know this from decades of first-hand experience.

[@cr7-i3d1j]

​@@libbycollins9349Did the Good Samaritan mind his own business?

[@libbycollins9349]

@@cr7-i3d1j yes. Kindness was his business.

[@KatMo7121]

@@brettany_renee_blatchley If the people who believe something that is not in scripture outnumbers the people who believe scripture as it was written, does that majority make the first group right? Or are they rebelling against their god?

[@donaldwert7137]

The "So we can never condemn? Are we supposed to accept sin?" question says a great deal about the person posing the question. I hear those questions in two ways. One with an eye roll, the other with a pout. One thing that occurs to me about treating people with love and how God will lay on their heart how He wants them to change (if at all) - maybe when you treat other with love, God will lay on *your* heart how he wants *you* to change, too, possibly removing the impulse to judge and condemn to begin with. People make a lot of noise about God's Plan and God's Will. I posit that, as humans, we can't know either perfectly.

[@jenjames4113]

Unless they're harming people or manslaughtered someone I try to leave it alone. His yoke is light and easy, but that's the hard things He asks us to do, be nonjudgmental and forgive. Even the ones who did the really evil stuff. Do not seek revenge - I will repay, that is what He says. He is the God who loves justice.

[@yvonneplant9434]

God made gay people. Period. If you can't accept that then trying to understand anything else will be impossible for you.

[@VicGeorge2K6]

God made people to be holy. Sin makes people gay, thieves, murderers, sexual offenders, and all sorts of things that are against God.

[@spirals73-s4c]

I do. I have a dear friend who is an absolute hero in the faith in my estimation. She is the most faithful to God that I've ever seen with my two eyes. She's attracted to women. And for over 30 years through devastating circumstances, I've watched her obey God out of love for Him. That includes sexuality. She feels how she feels, that this has been her since childhood. She's allowed to feel however she feels. But her actions are obedient to the Word. Her example of of obedience to God and God only is supreme. She's one of the wisest people I have ever met because her wisdom comes from being faithful.

[@thomaselliot2257]

​@@VicGeorge2K6what sins have children committed to make them gay or trans ?

[@angelanorthcutt4339]

Honestly I feel sorry for the woman who was absolutely denied a partner she loved. And to the commenter who was so judgmental . I will pray for you. Hate is evil and makes murderer’s and thieves! Love is love! Where is your GRACE for others? I hope love enters your hearts.

[@MrSeedi76]

​@@thomaselliot2257none. This person doesn't know what he's talking about.

[@midnightman352]

love is the foundation

[@sophiamathurin7792]

Amen! One love ♥️

[@c1886]

Love is the answer

[@madorakibbe]

We also have the Sermon on the Mount. Judge not - full stop No exceptions to the rule. Enough said thanks for this message 👍

[@elainemaldonado2932]

Amen and Amen 👑🔥🛐 absolutely correct 💯 true facts Love conquers All thank you Rev Ed GOD Bless your wisdom and knowledge 🙏🏼

[@ReturnToSenderz]

I’m glad you pointed out how situation-specific Paul’s advice is. He wasn’t writing to The Church; he was writing to specific churches and their specific issues. We’d give different financial advice to a person living frugally on a low-income than we would give to someone who was well-off but is overspending. That doesn’t mean we can’t apply Paul’s advice to our present time and circumstances, but we do need to be extra careful to understand the context of that advice and realize that not every bit of advice will apply to our specific circumstances. I think Paul told one church to disassociate with some church-members because that church wasn’t strong enough in their faith to resist being pulled back into what those members were doing (an admonishment of the church’s weakness rather than a condemnation of the people they were separating from), while another church was able to resist that temptation but thought that made them better than the others (so Paul admonished them for their pride and self-righteousness).

[@jtsimmons3133]

Love the sinner, God will handle the sin. Thank you for that reminder. I'm not sure I can rise to the level you describe, but I'll try. On that note, I've often wondered if the striving to be better is our salvation, that it is what makes God smile.

[@paderewskigold]

This reminds me of the saying attributed to St Francis of Assisi: preach the Gospel always; use words if necessary.

[@edg3048]

I left the established church 50+ years ago, but I watch and listen to you. You make sense. That said, and despite the leaving the church thing, the words judge not lest ye be judged popped into my head.

[@Anna-LiseKear]

Such a rational, healthy podcast message. THANK YOU so much.🥰

[@waynemami5464]

Judgment comes from the self. Discernment is of the Spirit.

[@libbycollins9349]

Using other people for sex or anything else is wrong, but loving relationships are a very different thing.

[@patriciawitherspoon7207]

I have spent the majority of my 75 years dealing with 13 years of emotional and sexual abuse from a stepfather. Do I condem his actions toward me? YES. Sorry/not sorry. The most that I have achieved is to pray to even WANT to not hate him. And I have exactly the same reaction to Trump, as they share almost identical personality traits and I had severe PTSD during Trump's first term. I dud not and would not have harmed my stepfather, OR anyone else. But as God sees and knows the heart, I must honestly sat Ihave no love in me about this. The closest I can get to not condeming them or loving them is to "leave them to Heaven", and if I face my own judgement for that, then I do. But I can't add lying to the offense of condeming.

[@ikeus685]

Many of us have negative experiences from our youths. My siblings and I, from 70 plus years ago also suffered the effects of growing up in a dysfunctional family. My parents would have fit right into those of Trump supporters today. Seeing and relating to the negativity that arises from their midst's has given many a painful memory of what those with this entitled belief can do to one's peace of mind which, is already well ingrained.

[@sundayoliver3147]

I sometimes wonder if we haven't got the wrong idea about love. What if love is a kind of neutrality, instead of a partiality?

[@bettyworkman9460]

Jesus showed us an example when he drew in the sand before the stoning of a woman convicted of adultery.Jesus told the people "he who are without sin, cast the first stone." They all walked away.

[@libbycollins9349]

He also declined to condemn her.

[@What_do_I_Think]

One sentence helped me a lot: "We shall hate the sin, but love the sinner." Another thing is, that the apostle Paul mostly wrote about Christians that misbehaved -- not about "correcting" Non-Christians!

[@Happy_Broom]

"Love and let Live." carries a lot less dogmatic stigmatized religious lingo. Especially the justification of hate and love co-existing. Which in turn reaches more hearts.

[@What_do_I_Think]

@@Happy_Broom Yes, can be used with non-believers, but for clarity in Christian sense, I prefer the sentence above.

[@Happy_Broom]

@@What_do_I_Think Hate and love cannot co-exist. Regardless of philosophy, one cannot hate and love at the same time. Hateful love? Loving hatred? Contradictions. But it does appear that most of Christianity is built upon irreconcilable contradictions. Hating anything or anyone is inherently judgmental and condemning. The phrase "Hate the sin but love the sinner" is to permit and justify guiltless, consequence-free stone throwing. Choose to hate, or choose to love. One cannot have their hate and love it too.

[@What_do_I_Think]

@@Happy_Broom I recommend that you stop using such meaningless statements, that are nonsensical. Starting your reasoning with nonsense, means that your conclusion is also nonsense.

[@08nutjob08]

He is. ❤

[@markolenick5467]

Dear Rev. Thank you for your biblical based guidance on this topic. Your response to the persons comment is spot on. Those who feel we need to condemn or scream repent from the rooftops regarding this topic should read the writings of Rosaria Butterfield, especially the one titled "Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert". It echo's what that pastor said to you regarding pushing towards or away from Christ. Christ calls us to walk in His way and to date I have found no brow beating in His teachings regarding conversion. The message to the thief on the cross says it all. Peace and Blessings.

[@chezLynn]

Just a thought, but accepting that we can't (judge or ) change each other and that our feelings for/about them are our responsibility is one of the most freeing approaches to life I've experienced ; )

[@auntiebobbolink]

Doesn't mean we have to accept people crapping on our heads.

[@Inpreesme]

🙏

[@KColes63]

I think people think that LOVING like Christ means agreeing. We are to love and save souls and pray. We keep thinking that others sin, whatever that might be is worth than our own. We will ALL stand before God ALONE, let's worry about our own sin.

[@waynemami5464]

...but the greatest of these is LOVE.

[@lyndaalicea6037]

You need to read all chapters. Which says we all are sinners. Not a specific group. We all are sinners

[@DKboy001]

What irks me most about when people use the phrase "should we accept sin?" or something along those lines is the underlying assumption that these thing(s) is/are, in fact, sin. They parrot the dogmas they've been taught in their faith traditions as though what is and isn't sinful is extremely cut and dry. If we are to be doing anything as Christians, we should be correcting one and other when we see a brother/sister acting towards others in ways that are NOT loving. And to me, that is not judgment nor condemnation, that is encouragement to be as Jesus was.

[@scj2117]

The word translated as "sin" is the same word used for "miss the mark" in an archery context. Sin is falling short of your goal to be in right relationship with God. Only you and God know if YOU are missing the mark. Most of us do not know exactly what God's plan is for every action we make and are not actually always following those instructions. We cannot know what instructions the other person is being given. We can surmise if the action obviously harms others. But it is still a only a surmise on our parts.

[@DKboy001]

@@scj2117 Very well stated. To quote the flavor text of a Magic the Gather card: "Creation is the work of a lifetime, destruction is the work of an afternoon." That's why our focus is to build up and not break down, especially when it comes to what we might perceive as the sin of another.

[@MrSeedi76]

Following that idea to the end, that somehow there's a set of rules about sins that we need to follow ultimately makes Jesus's sacrifice on the cross completely useless and everyone could have just achieved righteousness by "following the rules." We all know what the apostles said about that. Acts 15:10 KJV [10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

[@Mapleson]

The only thing that should not be tolerated is intolerance.

[@ikeus685]

mmm transcendent!

[@smirg1591]

Amen!

[@theelephantintheroom8016]

Humility, acceptance, and forgiveness are not as emotionally attractive as selfish pride, spiteful envy, and vengeful wrath. Being hateful is easy, being loving is hard!

[@pirjo3685]

Amen and thank you Rev!

[@RevLetaLee]

❤‍🔥Because all of our "sin" is based in mistaken beliefs, ideas, and attitudes. Loving without condemnation is the healing force of Christ. The most challenging choice is to live the Love of Christ. The Kingdom is within us. We have it in us to choose this way, to answer this call, and to live in Love. Amen.

[@DrewAnti1960]

Yes. So true and I love call people an AH because I condemn when I lose my temper. But I’m trying not too be a hypocrite especially when I’m driving. I do love everyone and I always feel guilty after I do condemn. I have stopped looking for them a long time ago but people still love to show me. And I’m not trying to be funny. But when I think about it, it’s kinda silly to be a grouchy old man. Any way. I love all of you. God Bless you and yours and have a blessed holiday season. 🙏🏼

[@reverendmothercheryl2276]

One of my favourite expressions of this is “My teacher by negative example. Bless their heart.”

[@olivianatwick7603]

Two things one what you were talking about in 1 Corinthians is a perfect example of what I learned a long time ago that you need to be able to dig into the scriptures and try to find out what is going on why was Paul writing the things he was writing. The other thing I wanted to say is that this morning I was listening to a book called The Secret Message of Jesus and the author said that we are to bless others. We too often in the church want to receive all the blessings but we forget that we are called by Jesus to go out and bless others.😊

[@ikeus685]

Yes, there is what could be called a type of gaslighting in which truth and love for the Divine replaces lies and hatred. That you wish to only serve and do what Jesus Christ taught. Love and lift up those who need a helping hand. True reality...Spreading and doing that what Jesus taught.

[@kennethgustavison1812]

If you are full of hate you can find MANY examples to reinforce your belief in both religious and non-religious sources. If you are full of LOVE you WILL find ways to disavow all the hate in both religious and non-religious sources. Thank you Rev Trevors! I don't know if you are familiar with Rev C Welton Gaddy, but you remind me so much of him, FULL OF LOVE!

[@rutha1464]

Jesus, (our representation of God,) seems to have only condemned the religious fundamentalists of His time. Paul seems comfortable to condemn those of his community. For me, I was a child of the streets, rolling around in the gutters, scratching and biting, always in trouble with law enforcement. I try to avoid the luxury of condemning others, and in Christ attempt to live and let live. You are tat on, Reverend Ed. Love is the answer. John 13:34-35.

[@ikeus685]

Those violently opposed to any type of sin remind me so much of the othedoxe Jews of Jesus's day. Pointing out how great they are in the Divine's eye's but forgetting that they are demonstrating their own extreme levels of self-pride.... Iam holier than thou!

[@robertcummins7739]

I vaguely remember condemn not so that you will not be condemned. It’s rich to condemn one for sinning differently than you do.

[@colleenorrick5415]

Rev. Ed, I read somewhere long ago that “othering” groups of people strengthens the cohesion of the group to which we belong. Perhaps that is one reason why we reject and exclude others.

[@chrisruiz6004]

Where did you read this? If you can't remember or find the source that you read, you were more likely misinformed by what ever source you received it from.

[@colleenorrick5415]

@@chrisruiz6004 I don’t remember. It was likely a sociology textbook.

[@scj2117]

It would certainly tend to keep the "othering" group from reaching out to the "other" groups and would foster an Us vs Them mentality, so that would make sense. This would go back to the hunter/gatherer times when there is competition for resources and the identity/culture of the group would be diluted by the new people. Looks like it works for current groups now.

[@junerussell6972]

You haven't made this up. It's something that we've seen over and over again. In fact, it may be one of the reasons that the Mormon church sends people out to be "missionaries". While they say it's to "bring people to God" but when you examine the practice more closely, they set the "missionaries" up for failure so that they are more likely to see anyone who rejects them as being a danger to them, and that brings them more tightly into the Mormon church and less likely to reject the church. The Church then becomes a source of safety and comfort. It's much more difficult to accept the "other". Jesus talks about this when he gives his Good Samaritan talk. The Samaritans were a group much hated by the Jews. Yet the "neighbor" who Jesus says is doing as he should is not someone "like them" but rather someone who they would naturally reject as being "other." But he was the example that Jesus *wants* us to emulate, as opposed to the people who were the equivalents of our so-called Christians (who turn a blind eye to those in need, for whatever reason.) The marginalized people need us. The ones who think they have it all don't need us. (And we are called to go that more difficult route, because that's what is right to do even if it's uncomfortable.)

[@spirals73-s4c]

@@chrisruiz6004 It's a well established sociological concept. They didn't just make that up.

[@clineshaunt]

You don’t accept sin, but you don’t hate the sinner. As a Christian who’s had greed and seen greed, nepotism, narcissism, hate, anger, destroy so many lives, I’ve had enough of homosexuality and abortion being the only things Christians want to talk about.

[@rwedereyet]

@@clineshaunt Why do you think being gay is a sin? Or did I misunderstand your comment?

[@clineshaunt]

@ yes it is, it doesn’t mean I don’t like them. I had some really good employees who were gay and I was happy to have them as employees. Had gay coworkers whom I thoroughly enjoyed working with. Had a gay friend in high school and some gay friends in college. No I didn’t lecture them, that’s not my job. To be fair, I talk far more about sins of greed, nepotism, and narcissism because those are far more destructive. There are Christians out there who would disagree but as a Christian, no member of the LGBTQ community has ever wronged me. Greedy heterosexuals have caused me (and society) far more grief.

[@elainemaldonado2932]

@@clineshaunt Amen and Amen 👑🔥🙏🏼

[@jasperstarr6804]

@@clineshaunt It sounds like you're not quite getting it. Being gay is no more a sin than being straight or being left-handed or having red hair. It is part of nature and quite simply the way some people were created.

[@clineshaunt]

@ I get it just fine. We’re not going to change each other’s opinion so we’ll have to wait until our lives end to see who is right and who isn’t.

[@scj2117]

The epistles are literally letters to specific recipients written by a fellow human being ... They were not originally broken down into chapters and verses; that was done later by the church centuries later. The information or situation that prompted the letter is lost in time, so we do not know the original premises. It was pointed out to me that ancient writers did not have a lot of punctuation, so if any of the letters are calling out the original message that prompted the letter, it would not be set apart by quotes or other punctuation. Often in the Gospels (not letters but narratives), the text includes something like "Jesus says, 'It is said that..." or "You have heard that ..." followed by "Jesus saying 'But I say....'." and a clarification of the point. Thinking about the word "Condemn"... only God can do that. We do not have the power to cast out into the outer darkness, so we return to the commandments and not taking God's name in vain, which is not just cursing but swearing (as in to tell the truth or some other vow), but in trying to put words into God's mouth... which are by definition are not God's. Telling people they will go to hell, based on our opinions (even if backed up by favorite Bible verse(s) regarding some aspect of those people) is surely "taking the Lord's name in vain".

[@stevengarman4848]

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus Christ heals the younger male lover of the Roman soldier that asks for healing for his lover. That does not sound like condemnation to me.

[@Dr.Americo]

Judgement breeds judgement. I feel the desire to judge someone who is being judgmental toward other people. This seems to be a tragic cycle of sin - as one person commits the wrong of taking the place of God and casting judgement, that causes me to sin in my desire to judge them harshly. And what does Jesus say about causing another to sin? Woe!

[@yabits]

When confronted with evil, evil has to be called out as such. Otherwise, evil -- anti-Christ -- will soon be in control.

[@Faithng8090]

What did CHRIST say about it, how did he act in response to people’s sins? Sometimes CHRIST “said”, but see in Matthew - John who he spoke to the harshest & who he warned about the most! Then, please ask HIM for yourself, WHY. It’s important for “CHRISTians” to reflect THE LORD they serve, don’t you think? I sure wish CHRISTians would put themselves under the microscope like they put others; you know, they should check their own Oil & stop beating up others. The LORD is coming & how will they themselves be found, thinking themselves better than they ought, many will be told by THE LORD, “depart from me, u worker of iniquity, I never you”. Remember the woman caught in adultery & the self-righteous hypocrites who wanted to stone her, John 8:1-11? See this scenario many religious people seem to miss, in Luke 18: 9-14 & you know there are some who have decided who THE LORD will & won’t welcome, like in John 4: 1-42; are you one of those bigoted, self-righteous religious people? I sure hope not, but if so, this is your warning, take heed, repent & follow CHRIST, not convincing fakes, not wolves in sheep’s clothing. CHRIST told us why HE came here; what’s your mission as a Christian? Are you following the example of CHRIST or the example of corrupt-able human beings who’re looking to condemn people & not be lovers of men’s souls? GOD KNOWS.

[@Swarat1962]

The two greatest commandments. Love thy GOD with all your heart, mind and soul and love thy neighbors as thyself! And for me the others are do good to those who hate you, Charity begins at home. dont leave your family without.... Judging belongs to God alone and not to us. All the examples were given to us from the Bible.... Love conquers everything. Remember if you are pointing finger at someone. four are pointing back towards you. God bless.

[@schannstewart9385]

Jesus himself said whoever has not sinned can throw the stone. No one can

[@cherylmoser6383]

This is the world I want to live in. I don’t consider myself Christian, I might change my mind if this was the way Christian’s acted.

[@babesimmons4017]

God is the Judge and Jury. We who follow the Original Bible and God can still remove ourselves, not associate with those who follow Evil and Darkness

[@schannstewart9385]

It's all the judgement and condemnation that makes people not want to go to church or be Christian

[@LiwaMaldina]

Alistair Begg was piloried by 100s of holier than thou Christians over this.

[@alexwixom4599]

The Paradox of Tolerance is not a real paradox. It shows the limitations of language and logic, not the limitations of tolerance. Those who choose intolerance revoke their signature from the social contract and thus relinquish its protections that would allow us to tolerate them.

[@dianebannister4591]

I want to say that Spiritual Development is not an instantaneous happening. It is not a one time event. I think most persons have to work on developing various aspects of Christian thinking and expression. I used to hate persons who did severe destruction to me in my life. I had to work hard and pray a lot over time for that to dissolve. While I don't feel that I love them, I am able to have compassion for them and pray for their healing and highest development. I would not be revengeful. I do not love Trump. However, I pray for his healing and to find the path to Christ and to change his ways. I'm not sure that I know anyone who loves every person. All the commands from the Bible issue us to be perfect. And we as humans can never be perfect so we have to do the best we can at the level we are at.

[@marilynjones5958]

I have no obligation to love ignorance

[@GrandmaEllen]

Jesus said, "Let the one who has NOT sinned cast the first stone." Everyone sidled away until there was no one left to condemn. Judging buys into the lie of separation. We are not separate. We are one with each other---the human organism. We are not separate.

[@ikeus685]

Children of God.

[@jacoblind9569]

So to clarify by condemnation are we referring to 'you ought not do XYZ or you're going to hell' or would condemnation be equivalent to calling out another's actions. For example I was sitting on my phone when I read a headline 'Legal Aid issues statement on Supreme Court decision to penalize homelessness' and out of shock and disbelief I say something like 'I can't believe they are doing something so evil, aren't we supposed to lift up the least of these not imprison them.' In the scenario above am I condemning the justices of the Supreme Court by calling their actions evil?

[@VicGeorge2K6]

Paul the apostle says in 1st Corinthians chapter 13 that love DOES NOT REJOICE IN INIQUITY, BUT REJOICES IN THE TRUTH. Love does require you to rebuke your brother or sister when they are in the wrong. If we don't rebuke, then we're just telling them by our silence that their sin is okay with God. You shall not hate your brother in your heart: you shall in any wise rebuke your neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him. You shall not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. (Lev 19:17-18)

[@MrSeedi76]

This raises a ton of questions. Like - what do you consider a sin? Because in the teachings of Jesus, most of the time it's how we behave towards others. And what did Jesus say about judging - "with whatever mete ye measure, it will be measured unto you." So it's us who decide about it. And if we think we have no sin, well then maybe we can "judge". But the Bible also says, if we think we are without sin, God's spirit isn't in us. I guess you see the problem? So what's ultimately the standard? To love God and thy neighbor and follow the golden rule. Really not much about sin included in those rules.

[@Happy_Broom]

The paradox: Love and let live is one thing. Love and say no is another. "No!" in context can be inherently judgmental and condemning. Where do we draw the line between unconditional love of everyone and conditional reality when a judgmental condemning "No!" needs implemented out of love for, and the safety and benefit of others?

[@dennisduran3841]

We can discern without judgement. Know the difference, eh?

[@williamfinch9858]

There’s a difference between a rebuke and a judgement. One can disagree with someone without implying it makes them harder to love than others. Anything beyond this is a judgement or at least vears dangerously close to it.

[@lindaSee89]

I guess I’m not loving my neighbor because I retaliated by putting my two Harris political signs back out, pointing toward his backyard after he put his rump sign in the side yard, facing my view.

[@Struthio_Camelus]

Well, hello there!

[@PaleRider54]

Reverend, we were told not to judge. But... Jesus also told us we should be fruit inspectors - "You will know them by their fruits". I know rotten fruit when I see it. ; ) Paul seems to get it wrong frequently. JMHO.

[@juliaellis2046]

I believe it was the church in Corinth that was divided. Some would eat the meat from sacrificed animals. Their logic was that the meat was cheap, and the gods were only statues of stone and wood. Some wouldn't because the animals were sacrificed to false gods. Paul told them if it isnt sin to you, eat it. If it is sin to you don't eat it. Sometimes we need to follow our conscience and leave everyone else to theirs.

[@Nickelodeon81]

Cast the second stone

[@Struthio_Camelus]

Throwing the second stone is putting a lot of trust in the person who threw the _first_ stone.

[@Faithng8090]

A tree is known by it’s fruit, so we judge the fruit (have u even opened what u thought was an orange & tasted it & then realized it was a grapefruit) & let GOD judge the outcome of the tree. Sin is sin, no matter who commits the sin, but GOD CAN forgive sins, HE’S in charge of HIS MERCY & HIS JUDGEMENT not us! We who are in CHRIST ought to act like CHRIST & come to bring salvation in LOVE, not to condemn in HATE & acting in self-righteousness, pretending LOVE. How did GOD love you when you were wilding out or slyly sinning not even thinking about GOD, how did HE treat u while drawing u to HIM? Did HE beat u over the head about your sin, did HE try openly disgracing u when he knew u didn’t know the TRUTH, did HE try in every way possible to make laws to arrest & convict u because u refused to stop sinning & receive CHRIST as your SAVIOR right then? Or did HE woo u with HIS TRUTH wrapped in love, long suffering, kindness, his even keelness, merciful welcoming arms; did HE at times watch u be sinful & still BLESSED u where all u could see was LOVE & KINDNESS? I guess many have forgotten the condition they were in before they submitted them unto GOD & yet THE LORD still lovingly gave them choice. I guess some “Christians” still don’t admit to the condition they’re in even now & refuse to acknowledge that GOD is no respecter of persons, HE is still THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE & HE is in control of HIS MERCY, not us & HE will have MERCY on whom HE will have MERCY, we can’t dictate HIS MERCY & if we try, we then are opposing GOD’S will! FOLLOW CHRIST people, not corrupt-able humans & not your own sticking thinking; sit at the feet of CHRIST & allow HIS SPIRIT to shine THE LIGHT, REMOVE darkness, expose lies & deceit, reveal what is evil & what is good & bring you into PURE TRUTH!

[@tic333-e2m]

If we were standing before Jesus would we still condemn that same person or people, would we throw the first stone? We may hide our true selves from others but Jesus knows us through and through. Please love each other as Jesus teaches.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@randallthomas5207]

Jesus’ teaching in two sentences: Treat all you meet with dignity, honor and respect. And, do not judge, for judgement is the provence province of God, and God alone. The fact that we do not judge, does not mean that have to associate with people who treat others in undignified, dishonorable, or disrespectful manner. We do not have to trust those who break their word, or abuse others. And, we should point out their errors by living our own lives to the best of our abilities. The heathens, and pseudo-christians will see this as weakness to take advantage of. It isn’t, just be alert. When I was young, I was taught not to be a bully or a coward.

[@AmyHoward13]

Romans 1:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. If Paul can’t condemn, who am I to condemn?

[@schannstewart9385]

Our job is to love people with God's love. Everyone is in their own path. I look at it, I don't want to get in the way of what God is doing in that person's life.. how God will use that person's sin for goof.

[@KimberlyGritten]

Shall I condemn, or analyze myself along with what might be the "sin" of the other and respond with loving kindness?

[@MrSeedi76]

1 Corinthians 4:3 KJV [3] But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 1 Corinthians 4:4 KJV [4] For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 1 Corinthians 4:5 KJV [5] Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

[@jancurtis8821]

I received the gift of speaking in tongues WHILE I was in a lesbian relationship. Go figure.

[@antirrhinum130]

We don't condemn evil when we see it? Should we not have condemned Hitler?

[@mrtomsaa]

My short take on this is that churche instead of following Jesus teaching, created a book, that allows to do what they want depending on situation.

[@ystava686]

Why would you? I don't think the test is whether you can resist si; the test is whether you can love your neighbors even if you think they're sinners.