File: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940430.txt ------------------------------------------------------- OUR DAILY BREAD Saturday, April 30, 1994 --------------- Read: Mark 6:14-29 KIND DISAPPROVAL Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. --Ephesians 5:11 How should we as Christians relate to people who are living contrary to biblical standards? I faced this question recently in a shopping mall when I met two people who had left their mates and children and were living together without getting married. They were friendly, and I greeted them politely. I did not berate them, but neither did I imply that I approved of what they had done and were doing. On another occasion a father told me that his son had declared himself to be a practicing homosexual. "I know you are a preacher," said the father, "but I hope you are enlightened enough to understand." I told him that I didn't despise his son or feel any ill-will, but that God says such conduct is sinful. John the Baptist told King Herod that he had no right to have Herodias as his wife, because she had divorced her husband to marry him (Mark 6:17-18). Although the Bible doesn't tell us John's manner, I think he was respectful but firm. If his rebuke had unduly antagonized Herod, the king would not have continued to respect and listen to John. Let's be kind toward those who live in sin, but let's always make it clear that God hates sin, and that there are serious consequences for those who don't repent. Author: Herbert Vander Lugt The sad world with all its repining, Its bitterness, care, and tears, Needs the wealth of your lovingkindness To sweeten the sin-soiled years. --Hall THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: ------------------- True kindness warns and rescues. THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 58-60 Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written permission must be obtained from RBC for any further posting or distribution. RBC provides a variety of Bible resources, which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any group or denomination, and support come voluntarily from its members and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-7221. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written permission must be obtained from RBC for any further posting or distribution. RBC provides a variety of Bible resources, which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any group or denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-7221 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------