Jane:
The joy of fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ is very precious, a true gift from God. St. Paul taught the Corinthians about this whole matter. As you may know, Corinth was a major port during those times and the Corinthians had to stand up against the winds of many diverse doctrines and teachings. We have been called into the 'fellowship of His Son' (1 Cor 1:9). And we are warned not to harness ourselves to unbelievers. 'Virtue is no companion for crime. Light and darkness have nothing in common. Christ is not the ally of Beliar, nor has a believer anything to share with an unbeliever. We are to keep ourselves separated unto the Lord. So, how can we justify loving the unbeliever? It is the sin that we must avoid.
As Christians, we must also recognize that every person is loved by our Father God and it is His desire that none should be lost to the evil one. His Word says Whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved. I think you understand that we are instructed to love the sinner, not the sin. After all, some of God's enemies became His champions, St. Paul being a prime example.
I believe that we should also have a special love for the Jewish people, as they were chosen by God for a witness before the nations. Yes, they are mostly a secular people today, and some have fallen into the despicable business you refer to. We are clearly instructed to love and bless them, regardless of their spiritual condition. These commandments were given long ago, but God's commandments do not change. In Zechariah Ch 2 we have the prophecy concerning the Nation of Israel: "as regards the nations who despoil you (for whoever touches you touches the apple of my eye): See now, I raise my hand over them, for them to be plunder for their slaves. (And you will know that Yahweh Sabaoth has sent me.) Sing, rejoice, daughter of Zion; for I am coming to dwell in the middle of you - it is yahweh who speaks."
The Lord will redeem, not only individual Jewish people, but also the Nation of Israel. We must not raise our hand against Israel, even though the nation is yet to experience it's spiritual rebirth.
I don't think we disagree on anything here. One thing that I have learned through my life is this: When I meet someone who is not a Christian, I try to look for the good things that the Lord has given them, their talents, their accomplishments. I try to see them as a child of God. They may disappoint me, but that is the chance we have to take in reaching out to others.
Lee |
