Love The Sinner Hate The Sin

Pastor Kevin Rutledge - 8/27/2023 10:00 AM

Join us for an engaging discussion as we unpack the popular phrase "Love the sinner, hate the sin" and why it's problematic, particularly when used in relation to the LGBTQ+ community. We dissect the dichotomy between the God of the Old Testament and the New Testament, and the struggles this poses for modern Christianity. We take a closer look at the challenges faced when reconciling Biblical passages on homosexuality and queerness with the concept of universal love.

Tune in as we dive into the potential pitfalls of "Versitis" - the practice of isolating verses from the Bible to form our own interpretations. We reflect on the dangers of creating a skewed picture of Jesus and how gathering in a community for Bible study can aid us in maintaining the context and the true essence of the scriptures. 

Finally, we reflect on the power of love, grace, and mercy as we navigate through the challenges of interpreting biblical passages. We tackle the issue of inclusion in the church, discussing the ways in which wrestling with scripture, our fellow Christians, and church leaders can help us to form decisions about inclusion and love. It's a conversation full of thought-provoking insights and perspectives you won't want to miss!

Scripture:

  • First Reading: Matthew 18:1-9
  • Second Reading: Matthew 7:1-5
View Order of Worship View Message Transcript

This Week's Reading Plan

Day: Reading:
Monday The Humility of Faith: Matthew 18:1-9
Tuesday Breaking the Habit of Judgment: Matthew 7:1-5
Wednesday Embracing Unconditional Love: 1 John 4:7-12
Thursday Inclusivity in Christ: Galatians 3:26-29
Friday Love, Grace, and Mercy: Romans 5:6-8
Saturday The Compassion of the Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37

Reflections and Caring Conversations

Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.

  • Morning Prayer: Gracious Lord, we thank you for the gift of a new day. As we awaken and ready ourselves for the day's challenges, we pray for understanding and clarity. Guide us as we strive to reconcile complex biblical interpretations, and grant us the wisdom to love and accept all, as Christ did. Teach us to love others unconditionally, not just the sinner but also understand the complexities of sin. May we always seek to understand Your word in its full context, avoiding the pitfalls of 'Versitis.' In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

  • Evening Prayer: Lord of Grace, as we retire for the night, we pray for Your mercy and love. We've spent the day wrestling with scriptures and grappling with complex biblical interpretations. Please, Father, illuminate our minds and hearts with Your divine wisdom. Teach us to love sinners and grapple with our own sins, as we seek to embody Christ's teachings. We ask that our dreams be filled with revelations of Your will and the true essence of Christian faith. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

  • Reflection Question - What is your understanding of the phrase "Love the sinner, hate the sin"? Can you think of instances where it may be used inappropriately or harmfully, particularly towards the LGBTQ+ community? 

  • Reflection Question - The sermon touched on the concept of 'Versitis' - the act of isolating verses from the Bible for personal interpretation. Can you think of examples where this may lead to a distorted understanding of the scriptures? How can we ensure we maintain the true context of the Bible? (Refer to 2 Timothy 2:15)

  • Reflection Question - Reflect on the importance of self-examination in dealing with sin, as suggested by the rephrasing of "Love the sinner, hate the sin" to "Love the sinner, hate your own sin". How does this shift the focus of our spiritual growth? (Refer to Matthew 7:3-5)

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