“Unfortunately, too often many Christians confuse acceptance of the person with approval of either their mistaken religious notions or lifestyle, and therefore justify avoiding these altogether.
However, Jesus attacked this false notion in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In speaking to the Pharisees-who were very conservative in both their doctrinal beliefs and practices-Jesus exposed their hypocrisy for passing by the dying man without getting involved, lest they approve his lifestyle and religion. The problem with the Pharisees is one all too common among many conservative Christians today. The desire to stand for the truth, to reject ungodliness in both religious doctrine and practice, leads them to confuse the acceptance of people with the approval of their beliefs and actions. How tragic.
I will continue to seek knowledge and understanding in an effort to grow in my relationship with the Lord and to be a compelling witness for the gospel, but above all, I pray that my desire to know never exceeds my desire to love my neighbor. It is with the overwhelming love of Christ that we must engage the culture and look beyond ideologies to see the person that God in his providence has placed in our path. May we love those people in the way that Christ first loved us; let this be what motivates our desire to “give an answer.” This is the best and most biblical apologetic!”
