Yes? No? Wishy- washy? Don’t want to sound mean spirited… but how does acting inclusive not mean approval and/or acceptance? Or does this become ‘excused’ by the ‘love the sinner, hate the sin’ position? If so, then how does one square this thinking with the admonition to let our ‘yes be yes and our no, no’ (Matthew 5:37)? Equivocation?
Somewhere in the back of my mind is the quote, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”(Voltaire-Hall) So, does this also refer to actions, beliefs, etc. or merely what is said.??? Perhaps… this might mean how we ‘go about including? And how we respond to others if the including is … questionable or antithetical to one’s beliefs? And that including doesn’t mean compromise? And how we ‘explain’ all this to those watching? In other words… there are a host of questions surrounding these words.
The problem is that the words seem to be individually defined but the universality of the definition assumed. Problem. Perhaps another way of including without approving is to make certain that the other person/people know the areas of mutuality.??? But also know those areas that are not involved. Sadly, if you get into the latter situation then you often spend an inordinate amount of time attempting to make sure you, the other person(s), and any ‘viewers’ realize the areas of agreement and disagreement. Critical, granted, but perhaps not the best approach.?
The issue really is that who we do include we, by our action, approve who they are and what they do. I realize I will get a lot of criticism for that definition or be misunderstood – but how else can this be interpreted? Another related point is that those we include – this can’t simply be an entrance issue – if they are includes and approved, then they are involved.
Perhaps it’s an issue that I haven’t learned the fine art of ‘loving the sinner but hating the sin’. I can’t simply let the other person continue in the action if we are to be in relationship. Judging? Yes. But remember 2Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what
fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion
has light with darkness?”
This scripture seems clear as to what we are to do. It isn’t ignoring the sinner nor leaving them in their sin. I believe that we are to engage them, help them to see what is available once they walk away from where they are. When we include them but don’t confront the situation, then we are inferring to them that we approve what they are doing. Our message of redemption and restoration is far stronger, far greater than mere inclusion. Ultimately it is always their decision to see truth and act on it. We present the truth of the message, invite them into saving knowledge, and with their understanding and acceptance – then help them to grow.
