Buz
The most well known sermon in the Bible is Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount". Let's just see what Jesus has to say about thiis. From Matthew 5:
quote:
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Emphasis mine.
Your view of the character of God is so often in complete contradiction to what we see in the character of His incarnation in Jesus.
I've known others that hold to the same view of Biblianity as opposed to Christianity that you do, and like you they in general do a lot of good in the world from lovingly raising their kids to both monetarily and physically supported unconditional aid to the third world.
It does however too often bring people to hold views that IMHO are decidedly un-Christlike when it comes to being judgemental and feeling that something has to be done about it.
Paul writes this in 1st Corinthians 4:
quote:
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
I do believe God will judge at the end of but as Paul says it will be "at that time". In the meantime we are called to let Him work in the hearts of men to bring aid to those that have endured hardship from disaster whether it is our own countries or anywhere else in the world.
He has told you, O man, what is good ; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
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