Loving Sinners

God expects that those who love Him will also hate sin. He wants us to turn from our wicked ways and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. This Good News includes the fact that we can be free from the things that once held us in bondage. So part of our message should be to proclaim freedom to those who cling to sin and the sorrow that it brings.

Yet while God hates sin, He loves sinners so much that He sent His Son to save us. Paul wrote, “Christ died for the ungodly. . . . God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6, 8). Likewise, we are to love those who reject the absolutes of God’s Word, even if they reject us.

To show our love and His, we must pray for those who are in error. We must speak the Truth and be bold witnesses to the Truth that we know. We must refuse to repay evil for evil. If we are maligned, slandered, or mistreated for standing strong for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must continue to stand in peace and refuse to seek retaliation.

Paul wrote, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

When you are called intolerant for proclaiming Jesus as the only Savior and Lord, smile and refuse to back down, refuse to give in. Speak the Truth lovingly and persistently, and then trust God to move in the hearts of those who are in error.

When you’re called ‘intolerant’ because of your faith, remember that the Gospel is for everyone—regardless of age, gender, nationality, culture, or race. The gift of the Gospel is a treasure of great worth—it is a promise of eternal life for all who believe.

Prayer: Father, help me love those who don’t know You, just as You do. Help me pray for them and lovingly speak the Truth to them. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.