love your enemy

[truelight Mike]

Pardon my french. Sin is only sin when humans commit it (like killing) but its not when god does it?

Killing is evil. So killing is evil only when humans do it but not when god does it?

These were some verses that we read this morning in our service. It reminded me of what you had said.
It comes from the book of the Wisdom of Solomon chapter 1 verse 12 do not be zealous for death by the deceit of your life, nor bring destruction upon yourself by the works of your hands.

For God did not make death, neither does he have pleasure over the destruction of the living.

For He created all things that they might exist, in the generations of the world so they might be preserved ; for there was no poison of death in them, nor was the reign of Hades on the earth. For righteousness does not die.

But the ungodly summoned death by their words and Works ; although they thought that death would be a friend, they were dissolved.

For they made a covenant with death since they were deserving to share it in common.

I'm just trying to restate that God is good. If someone reaps death it will be a result of sowing death

God bless you

 

[truelight Mike]

Justice.

Forgiveness is higher than justice

 

[David1967]

What about the golden rule, which is to treat others the way that you want to be treated?

If everyone followed that we wouldn't have many problems would we.

 

[viole]

We cannot take up carnal weapons of any sort with the intention of using them on our fellow man for any reason. As Jesus said, we will cop a bullet for our friend but we could never fire one to harm even an enemy.

Are you sure He said that?

To my knowledge there were no fire arms during the Roman Empire.

Ciao

- viole

 

[viole]

The command to love, I believe, is not the emotion or feeling of love but it is a command of action like giving food to your enemy

Well, then He should have used the words "help" ot "be supportive". For sake of precision.

At least, you would not have to believe, or assume, what He really meant.

Ciao

- viole

 

[Augustus]

Are you sure He said that?

That was hip-hop Jesus - he pities the fool who tries to pop a cap in yo' ***...

 

[Deeje]

Are you sure He said that?

To my knowledge there were no fire arms during the Roman Empire.

Ciao

- viole

A weapon is a weapon, no matter the historical setting.

Matt 26:52:
"Jesus said to him: “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take up the sword will perish by the sword."

You can substitute the word gun in that verse and will mean the same thing.
Isn't the state of this world living proof of the truth of that statement?

John 15:13:
"No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his life in behalf of his friends."

 

[Noa]

@OP

If one is a Christian, no there is no greater commandment than love.

As for everyone else, the very premise of loving your enemy would have to be argued for.

 

[Deeje]

@OP

If one is a Christian, no there is no greater commandment than love.

Yes, love God first and love your "neighbor" as yourself, second. Who is our neighbor?

As for everyone else, the very premise of loving your enemy would have to be argued for.

To "love" is a command for Christians....an action....not really just a premise. It's "how" you love your enemy that needs defining.
Jesus showed us what this means in real terms. (Luke 10:25-27) It's called agape as opposed to philea. It transcends race and creed and focuses on humanity.

 

[Useless2015]

Is there any teaching higher than the teaching of Jesus to love your enemy?

It's not really a teaching is it? I mean Christians have been hands down the most violent intolerant people in history. What good is a teaching if its not followed?

 

[Noa]

To "love" is a command for Christians....an action....not really just a premise. It's "how" you love your enemy that needs defining.
Jesus showed us what this means in real terms. (Luke 10:25-27) It's called agape as opposed to philea. It transcends race and creed and focuses on humanity.

That is why I said 'for everyone else.' Meaning, not Christians.

 

[Godobeyer]

Satan is your enemy , do you love him ?
If someone rape my wife or daughter , how I suppose love him ?

 

[Deeje]

It's not really a teaching is it? I mean Christians have been hands down the most violent intolerant people in history. What good is a teaching if its not followed?

No, it wasn't "Christians" who perpetrated those violent acts...real Christians follow Christ's teachings, they don't make excuses for breaking God's laws.
The fake Christians (the ones Jesus has never known) did a lot of things that their Master told them not to do...he divorced them. (Matt 7:21-23)

 

[truelight Mike]

It's not really a teaching is it? I mean Christians have been hands down the most violent intolerant people in history. What good is a teaching if its not followed?

Is a person who calls themselves a "Christian" but chooses not follow the teachings of the Christ, really a Christian?

 

[Deeje]

That is why I said 'for everyone else.' Meaning, not Christians.

What do you think the world would be like if everyone practiced the golden rule? Its a nice thought isn't it? It would even be nice if those who call themselves "Christians" practiced it....

 

[truelight Mike]

Satan is your enemy , do you love him ?
If someone rape my wife or daughter , how I suppose love him ?

I could never imagine what that would be like because I've never been in such a horrible situation. all I could do is point to what Jesus said and he said to forgive.

When Jesus said, " he who would be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." I believe he was talking about situations like this.

The way of God might take us through a lot of pain. But if pain is what we need to learn how to forgive, it will be worth it even if we can't imagine how.

 

[Noa]

What do you think the world would be like if everyone practiced the golden rule? Its a nice thought isn't it? It would even be nice if those who call themselves "Christians" practiced it....

I have no idea what it would be like. In my opinion, it is too farfetched to even imagine.

 

[Deeje]

I have no idea what it would be like. In my opinion, it is too farfetched to even imagine.

It might be far fetched in our human experience to date....but you can imagine how good it would be....I think there's a pocket in most people's hearts where life in paradise free from the traumas of this life is tucked away...something to dream about as an ideal life. I believe that it was the place God first intended us to live because we seem to have a collective vision of it, no matter where we live in the world....we all long for peace, security and beautiful surroundings free from harm with the people we love. Is this only co-incidental?

 

[Noa]

It might be far fetched in our human experience to date....but you can imagine how good it would be....I think there's a pocket in most people's hearts where life in paradise free from the traumas of this life is tucked away...something to dream about as an ideal life. I believe that it was the place God first intended us to live because we seem to have a collective vision of it, no matter where we live in the world....we all long for peace, security and beautiful surroundings free from harm with the people we love. Is this only co-incidental?

No, I cannot imagine it. And I also do not have a pocket for paradise. I do agree that our species has a tendency to value security and beauty.

 

[Deeje]

No, I cannot imagine it. And I also do not have a pocket for paradise. I do agree that our species has a tendency to value security and beauty.

All you have to do is see what humans do to any paradisaic place....they build high rise apartments and charge people a fortune to vacation there. Paradise then becomes a concrete jungle which ruins the concept.....but it doesn't stop people from flocking there. Why do we need such locations even for a short stay?