God's Kind of Love

Thessalonians 4:1-12

"For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain."

"6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you— 7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord."

"9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?"

"11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, 13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints."

1 John 5:2

"2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments."

Acts 20:28

"28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."

Titus 3:10-11

"10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself."

2 Thessalonians 3:15

"15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother."

2 Timothy 4:2

"2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine."

1 Timothy 5:20

"20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear."

Romans 16:17

"17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."

James 5:20

"20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul[a] from death and cover a multitude of sins."

All our attempts at sparing the feelings of those who live in sin, has caused the apostasy that dwells in the organized church today. The most damaging mantra that has taken hold in the church is; "just love them." As though; if we show enough friendliness the person will like us and Jesus Christ too. This couldn't be farther from the truth.

Many people are hurting because they have not sought God for His ways and truth. When we do not speak the truth boldly, these people are left to feel comfortable in their sin.

Hebrews 4:12

"12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

We are not called to spare someone's feelings, we are called to tell the truth, loving God and His truth more than we love to be loved.

The modern church flatters people to gain the advantage over them, hoping the flattery will make them do what is right, but the opposite is the result, more sin and guilt relieved.

Do not seek to avoid bad feelings, seek to honor God through the spreading of His truth. The feelings are an indication that there is guilt, let the guilt do it's work, then is when we can reach someone with truth.