Loving the Person, Hating Their Choices.
by David Cross
Discrimination is a word in common use these days. It is generally assumed that hating someone’s life choices must mean that we hate them. But this couldn’t be further from the truth of how Jesus acted as He walked on the earth.
The accusers of the woman caught in the act of adultery were ready to stone her to death until Jesus pointed out that their own sin would merit similar justice. They all disappeared, unable to respond to the truth of His words. He shows extraordinary love and kindness towards the woman, wonderfully releasing her from the spiritual consequence of her actions while, at the same time, making it very clear that these had been sinful and damaging choices.
As we look today at the ungodly lifestyles and choices made by so many people, it’s clear that they are causing severe harm to themselves and to those around them. The world says that freedom is the ability to act in accordance with our feelings. God says that true freedom is the result of acting in accordance with His laws, for this will bring the peace that we all seek deep inside.
For followers of Jesus, we need to stand firm in graciously challenging the life choices that we see damaging many lives, while always challenging ourselves to be sure that we are speaking from a position of unconditional love and not veiled condemnation.
David Cross David is part of the Executive Leadership of Ellel Ministries, with particular responsibility for the Ellel centres in Western Europe. He is married to Denise and they have three grown up children and eight grandchildren. David has been a civil engineer and ski-touring instructor in the Highlands of Scotland. He is passionate about the teaching and practice of the healing and deliverance ministry of Jesus and has written several books: Soul Ties, Trapped by Control, God’s Covering, The Dangers of Alternative Ways to Healing(co-authored with John Berry), an A to Z Guide to the Healing Ministry, What`s Wrong with Human Rights? and, most recently, God`s Way out of Depression. You can follow a daily thought from David on Twitter: @dmcross62
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