We conclude our series “1/2 Truths” where every week we have explored and analyzed a common Christian phrase. Last week we considered the phrase “God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It,” and this week we move on to the phrase “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin.”
Like many of the other phrases we’ve explored, this one seems great on its surface. Of course we should love those who sin! Indeed, Paul reminds us that we all fall short of the glory of God. Loving the sinner is something we understand and that is clearly the way that Christ engaged in his ministry.
But the second part of the phrase starts with hate, and I question the idea that love and hate can co-exist.
Matthew 7:1-5 (CEB)
1 “Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 You’ll receive the same judgment you give. Whatever you deal out will be dealt out to you. 3 Why do you see the splinter that’s in your brother’s or sister’s eye, but don’t notice the log in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother or sister, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ when there’s a log in your eye? 5 You deceive yourself! First take the log out of your eye, and then you’ll see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s or sister’s eye.
Consider these questions:
- Have you ever felt judged? What were the circumstances?
- Did you feel like the judgement was toward actions or toward you personally? What’s the difference?
- Have you ever felt upset or even angry about another person’s actions? Was your response directed to them personally or toward their actions? What might the difference have been?
- Do you know anyone who radically reoriented their life after having a faith/church/spiritual experience? What changed?
- What good qualities has your faith drawn out or magnified in you?