The Love/Hate Phrase

 

Things NOT found in the Bible, part 4

 

Introduction

In Galatians 6:1 the Apostle Paul writes, Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Essentially, if you see a brother committing sin, you are to admonish him and him get out of it while making sure you don’t fall victim to the same sin.

For example, going to a bar to bring home someone while not participating in drinking. This includes something as harmless as soda. Although you’re not engaging in the drinking of alcohol, you are associating yourself with the location and the people that show patronage there.

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “Love the Sinner and Hate the Sin.” While it isn’t found anywhere in the bible, the message has been shown throughout the scriptures.

 

Babylonian Captivity

One of the best examples of this is when Judah was carried away to Babylon in captivity for 70 years. Understand that just because some were faithful to God this whole time, didn’t mean that they wouldn’t be carried away or killed. As scripture teaches, God is not a respecter of persons (Job 34:19; Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11).

Everyone was removed whether by death or captivity. Those who survived, and changed their ways during captivity, were brought back to the land. The children then became the leaders of the remnant (Ezra 3:12).

 

Correcting Your Children

When a parent sees their child playing in the middle of the street, or a neighbor’s yard, they might yell at that child to get back into their own yard. Not that the parent hates the child (for yelling at them) but, rather, they love their child and do not want to see any harm come to them.

They are protecting their child from an otherwise dangerous place; the street, because of cars, or their neighbor’s yard; because of a dog or something sharp laying the grass.

If a parent didn’t love a child, they might ignore their location and simply say, “When they get hurt, they’ll learn”. But will they learn? Here are three verses from Proverbs:

13:24, He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

23:13, Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.

29:17, Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul.

 

Conclusion

If we say that we are God’s children (2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 21:7), we should expect to be punished when we misbehave (sin). If a good parent discipline’s their child, you can expect God to do the same. It’s not a matter of hating you, but hating your actions.