This brings us back to the problem with "love" because here is where I
think Christians get tripped up. Sometimes when you determine that you
are going to "love" another person, you subtly start viewing that person
as someone who needs you, not as someone whom you need just as much.
And since this person who is the object of your great loving affection
needs you, your approval and your advice so much, that gives you the
right to be stern, instructive and somewhat overbearing, particularly
when you believe you know what is best for them. On the other hand, if someone is truly your friend, then you ought to
have the humility to recognize that you can't just say whatever the heck
you want, because if you drive them away you are hurting yourself too.
You will be more gentle, more respectful, and make a genuine effort to
be winsome and helpful. If you hurt that person and they walk away, you
won't smugly tell yourself that "that's just the collateral damage of
speaking the truth in love." You would feel quite devastated, and you
wouldn't rest until you made things right.
"On having gay friends"
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment