The Ground Of The Church

[aron]

Originally Posted by YP0534

If the Spirit is the true teacher, what shall we say about those who try to teach us something that the Spirit isn't confirming?

I don't really have any answers but I'm pretty sure that brotherly love should be the key factor with whatever response we have (and such is my expectation from those who might insist that I drop my position instead!)

I love this question because it goes to the heart of what I struggle with continually.

First, if our position is unyeilding love, how can someone insist we drop that towards them? They often will ask us to drop it towards "others" if we are to join them. In other words, join the "quarantine" or whatever barricade they have erected to fellowship.

Can we say to one involved in struggle, "I am one with you but not one with your antagonism towards _____ ?"

I think so. I believe so. I hope so. I believe love covers all, love suffers all, love ultimately conquers all.

If God could love us while we were yet sinners, while we were yet unlovable, unloving, unlovely, then surely we can tolerate others who are intolerant, especially if they are intolerant of us, especially if they can't tolerate our tolerance! I know that's a mouthful, but I think it makes sense.

If you think I am making these points up, see my earlier post (#217)responding to YP's question. I have a few verses there. Also, I can attest that I was not "good material" for anything, but God loved me and reached me anyway. Cannot I now, with this love dwelling in me, do the same toward others?

So I think that this is a "stand" we can hold to even while we move toward others. I know that the Lord Jesus didn't have much tolerance toward the intolerant; he was gentler on the drunkards and publicans than he was on the religious holier-than-thou folks. But only Jesus is without sin; the rest of us can rightly take the place of repentant sinners.

So there's my thought; whether it's valid is open to question, and whether I can live up to my theology is also open. But it kinda inspires me, you know?