Our command to love God and love our neighbor occurs at least five times in the New Testament. We will not be able to obey love from our heart without profound trust in God. When we seek the good of others at our own expense it will allow us to be hurt or disappointed. This does not mean we are to endure physical or emotional abuse without protecting ourselves or others from evil, because love does not "enable" other people in sinful harmful patterns of behavior. Parents and authorities call this "tough love" that allows people to experience the consequences of their choices. Admonishing someone in love opens us up to rejection and misunderstanding. Therefore, to humbly and patiently correct someone is another way we abandon our own self-protection. So don't try to always cover or make excuses for someone who is causing hurt to themselves or others.
How will we know when and how to confront a brother or sister whose sinful choices are harming themselves and others? When we sit on the "Three-legged-stool" of the Scripture, the Holy Spirit and submission to the church, then we will know what love requires. It is neither wise nor helpful to judge another while sitting on a stool with only one or even two legs. Submit to authority, meditate on the context of Scripture (not just isolate a few verses here and there) and make sure you are in the same spirit as Jesus and the Father (not a bad spirit). Then God will give you wisdom and grace to "as much as possible live in peace with all men."
1 Cor 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind. Love is not proud, rude, or demanding its own way. Love is not irritable and keeps no record of wrongs. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance."
"God is love." "Let love be sincere." "Don't let your love grow cold."
-PD
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