Quote:
Originally Posted by alwayslearning
I don't discuss the LC system with my relatives and friends that are in it not because I can't effectively dismantle their positions but because I love them and value our relationships and respect their right to worship and practice their religion according to what they believe.
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I understand how you feel. Alienating relatives whom we love is painful for all involved. These are people you have a history with, people who still care deeply for you. Far easier to let bygones be bygones and keep your truths to yourself.... But, lovingly and without condemnation I have to ask, what did Jesus do?
What did Jesus do when, as an adult, he met the Pharisees under whom he very like learned in the Temple when he was still a child (
Luke 2:41-52)? Did he love them and value his relationship with them and respect their right to worship and practice a religion according to what they believed? When Nicodemus came to him in the middle of the night, seeking and looking to pay him honor with these words: "
Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him", did Jesus just smile at the man? I believe He actually insulted him with his responses: "Truly truly I say to you, unless a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God." His answer implied that Nicodemus was blind to Godly things, and couldn't discern squat.
I think we easily forget what "love" really requires us to do (and hey, I'm under the gun here as much as anyone else, so please don't take this as a personal attack) - but just imagine that what you believe is really real. That understanding the gospel message really will make the difference for your eternity. Do you allow the ones you love to miss the message because you don't want to alienate them? Is that really love?
Ray