[jmar]

Originally Posted by aron

I'll reboot - you are trying to have a conversation about something that is meaningful to you both. A conversation is a learning moment for each side - it is not a pair of by-passing monologues. You can try to be open, to learn, to probe... if she sees this she may respond in kind. "Do unto others.." right?

Suppose we have 2 parties, Mr X and Mr Y.

X: "I notice that this group of yours gathers a lot and studies the Bible. From a Christian perspective, this seems good. But if the greatest commandment in the Bible is to love one another, I wonder how this commandment can be fulfilled."

Y: "All the people are separated from God by sin, division, and confusion, and we have come to set the world straight concerning the truth of God's eternal economy to dispense the Godhead into man and make man the same as God in life and nature."

X: OK, but how is this love?"

Y: "God's love is included in God."

X: "Jesus went around doing good, healing people. There was actual manifestations of God's love. Pardon me my observation, but all I see are teachings."

Y: "Yes, but we are warned against natural soulish love. In type, it is honey that runs the unleavened bread."

X: "So those are our only two options, then? Natural affections and teachings? Again, I point to Jesus. He actually did good things for people."

Y: " We don't want to focus on 'dead works'; knowing that salvation is based on faith."

X: "But faith in what? On teachings and theologies? Where is the love?"

Y: "But we do love one another. We gather together in love and declare the love of the Father in our hearts."

X: "The love of the Father calls us out of our chairs and into the world, to show this love - "Love to the loveless shown" and all that. "Bless those who curse you". How does a meeting to study the Bible, in and of itself, show anything near this?"
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As long as at least one party is open and seeking, God can come. So just be that party. Seek God in the conversation. Be willing to learn. God may surprise you. Present your questions as genuine learning opportunities for both of you.

Man, you could not have pointed out more clearly the issues I have with them. I will try my best, though I am not too good with dialog and words. I think I can succeed if I keep my focus on what Jesus did like loving others and being there for people, even the ones who didn't like him. It actually reminds me of a book I heard of but haven't read..."Love Does" by Bob Goff