Loving people without loving the world
This part of John's letter seems to be very well known among most all of the Christian folks I know. I've known it, intellectually, for as long as I can recall. But what does it really mean in our lives today? Here in the Bible-belt Southeastern USA, it seems to mean erecting a holy wall around the like minded church folk, huddling up with each other and pointing fingers out at everyone else. But then falling back into worldly ways when we aren't with "church friends". I have been trying to make sure that I act the same way "in church" and out, regardless of who I am with. It is a real challenge sometimes to love the person regardless of the setting/circumstances the world has around us.
The words in 1 John 1:15 (Do not love the world or anything in the world) need a critical eye when trying to apply. It doesn't apply to not loving people.
The words in 1 John 1:15 (Do not love the world or anything in the world) need a critical eye when trying to apply. It doesn't apply to not loving people.
