In John 17 verses 15 through 18 it says "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world." God has commanded his people to live by this verse and as many people say: to be set apart from the world. I believe in this verse wholeheartedly and try to live by it daily.
Our world has always been corrupt, and many Christians think it might be more so than ever with all the issues our country continues to be split upon, but our world has always been messed up and I think every generation sees its own unique, immoral issues; maybe not worse problems but just different ones.
Lately, the most popular topics have been things like immigration policy or transgender rights. And as Christians, one would think we would be the most kind to the people involved. However, I've seen a group of people abandon those who need our love the most. The commandment to "be apart from the world" has been taken quite literally and some Christians have completely turned their backs on people different from them. I think our God commands us to be a light to people, not a symbol of darkness. He calls us to be against sin, but not to tear people down for their own wrongdoings.
On the topic of immigration our president plans to bar refugees trying to escape the destruction of their country. I understand his decision completely: he wanted a solution to terrorist individuals entering our country. A country that he obviously wants to protect. But I think at the same time we have forgotten the victims that have been affected by this; the people that aren't trying to harm our nation. People exist that come to the US not to take advantage of free stuff but to work hard to make a better life for themselves. We have lost compassion for those who really need it. The same goes with the LGBTQ community. These people are going against what God says, but personally I think it is His own responsibility to be the judge of them. We can distance ourselves from sin but if we ever want to lead someone to Christ, it requires love above all things. No matter what a person does that is sinful, God calls us to be set apart but more importantly love them like He does.
God ate dinner with people who sinned; tax collectors and prostitutes alike.
