Romans 12:9, 18-21 NKJV Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good ./ If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ( NKJV)
A recent news event has captured the world’s interest. A Pastor of a small church in Florida plans to burn copies of the Koran. During the debate many have expressed agreement with him, that Islam is an evil religion and therefore we should burn their books and fight them any way we can. Others have said that while he has a constitutional right to burn the Koran, it is not the right thing to do because it could stir up more terrorism. Others said it was wrong to burn the Koran because we need to reach out with love, and Jesus would not destroy any books of other faiths.
What are we to believe? How are we to behave? Should we burn the Koran or the Book of Mormon, or any other religious books? Romans 12:9 clearly teaches that we are to love without hypocrisy, abhor (to regard with extreme repugnance or aversion; detest utterly; loathe; abominate) evil, and to cling to what is good.
I am of the opinion that all apostasy and false teachings need to be confronted with the truth in love. No false doctrine shall be allowed equal standing with truth. Evil exists and it is every child of God’s duty to stand against it.
So do we burn the Koran? Do we shout from the roof tops that all sinners are going to Hell? NO! As verses 18-21 clearly state; we are to live peaceably with all men, let God take care of their salvation. If our enemy is hungry we are to feed them. If he is thirsty we are to give him a drink. We are to pray for them, minister to them and let the Holy Spirit change their heart. We are engaged in spiritual warfare not physical warfare. Confront all men with love. "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, " ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”( Matthew 22:36-40 NKJV)
But do we roll over and let evil have free reign? NO! We are to expose evil where ever it exists. Saying that a sin is a sin is simply stating the truth. When we confront the believer or the heathen with their sin we are not judging the person, we are judging the sin. Confront the sinner with love and hate the sin. Confront evil with love yet abhor it.
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.(Romans 12:10-17 NKJV)
Love others more then we love ourselves. Serve everyone with all diligence, just as we serve the Lord. Pray for and with others. Rejoice when they rejoice, cry when they cry. Gather together with like minded believers and keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. You are a sinner and no better then any other man. God has chosen you; not the other way around. You are His through no works of your own. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV). You did not do anything to earn your salvation. You do not deserve your salvation. You have received your salvation through Grace (the freely given, unmerited favor and love of god) alone. Do not puff yourself up or let others puff you up. Finally do what is right in sight of all and give no evil to none.
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