tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087234985807320344.post3060841956097819105..comments2023-11-02T08:30:46.960-04:00Comments on a Time for Everything: How do you know?Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03103467314934540256noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087234985807320344.post-72556233000950934912008-02-24T16:16:00.000-05:002008-02-24T16:16:00.000-05:00This is SO tough. I know that we are to hate the ...This is SO tough. I know that we are to hate the sin and love the sinner, but what does that look like? We have always tried to be honest with our daughter (to the degree that she needs to know for her age) and explain what has happened, what we would have hoped might happen, how we can pray for them, etc. We try to treat the person with kindness when we are around them, but I admit I limit our exposure to them. I think that can be explained as we love the person inspite of their sin, but there are consequences for their actions, and one of those consequences is that our relationship with them had to change a little. <BR/><BR/>I think your X relative has made choices that have made it difficult for you to remain close. I think you continue to pray for him and pray for reconciliation. On God's terms, though.<BR/><BR/>Person Z's situation is very disturbing. I don't know ages but that is just super creepy. <BR/><BR/>I think situations like these cause our kids to watch us so closely to see how we handle it. I think their underlying issue is "if that is me, how would my mom & dad react?" I think it is a good time to emphasize to our kids that there is nothing they could do to make us not love them. Did that make a bit of sense? Sorry about the long comment. That is some heavy stuff...Queen Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16974305034774639237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087234985807320344.post-27807522069376297712008-02-24T10:05:00.000-05:002008-02-24T10:05:00.000-05:00Yes, Lori says it well, and speaking the truth in ...Yes, Lori says it well, and speaking the truth in love is what we are called. Tough, thing, though. You have made me reexamine some of my own relationships and what my responsibility is in relationships and the degree to which you can maintain them when they are out of fellowship due to unrepentant sin. Good thing to think about, Karen. Love, Annetteannettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12993065518117027383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087234985807320344.post-32179748132350463352008-02-24T00:52:00.000-05:002008-02-24T00:52:00.000-05:00I really struggle with this too. With regards to ...I really struggle with this too. With regards to my kids, I try to be honest and tell them that everyone makes mistakes and sins, but that we still love the person. But it is hard to maintain a relationship with someone whom you feel has made choices that are very difficult to stomach and without repentance. I guess I look at what the Bible says when it says to not have fellowship with that kind of person. But it's done out of a heart of love - to encourage them to turn back to God. If you can't do it with love, you shouldn't do it. It's wierd to think you are kind of "shunning" someone but still showing them love. I would explain to them that because of their choices, you aren't going to be able to maintain the relationship to the extent you would like to, but that you love them and will be there for them once they desire to turn from their sin and repent. Easy to say, tough to do, I know.Lori ~ The Simple Life at Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01917249803574298362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087234985807320344.post-12235481834295675442008-02-23T22:12:00.000-05:002008-02-23T22:12:00.000-05:00Karen, this is tough. We try to teach our kids dif...Karen, this is tough. We try to teach our kids differently, yet all the rest of culture, including those they look up to fail them. I, who always have a comment, am stumped. My best thought is to do what you are doing and talk it out. You can't help but be disappointed in them, though. I think you love them anyway, but hate the sin. Maybe you remind the kids how easy it is to fall prey too, that "the devil prowls around like a lion looking on whom he can devour." So we are to be ever vigilant to guard our own hearts. I just had that conversation with Lindsay last weekend about guarding your heart and protecting it. Enough, I guess for someone who's at a loss for what to do. Keep us posted on how it works out. Prayers are going your way tonight. Love, Annetteannettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12993065518117027383noreply@blogger.com