what is love?

[wokinluv]

Putting the cart before the Ox will NEVER get the cart anywhere.......One cannot LOVE without the truth....your premise above does not match the word of God when it comes to order.....the bible does not say God magnified love above his very name.....IT DOES SAY he magnified the TRUTH above his very name!!!

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. John 1:1-14

...When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:27-28

“You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. John 14:28

God’s Love and Ours
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:7-21

I remember how I used to be an obedient boy to my parents because I love them so much. I obeyed my teachers in school, it's policies and other rules and regulations not only of the school but of the land. I made friends whom I learned to care for and I would consider that I have loved other people at a young age and may have hurt and wronged others at the same time until I was born again and eventually learned the truth later in life through faith and the knowledge of the gospel of our salvation through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I hope you see my point.

To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. Romans 2:1-16

God is LOVE and His LOVE endures forever.

 

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● Rom 15:1-2 . . We may know that certain things make no difference, but
we cannot just go ahead and do them to please ourselves. We must be
considerate of the doubts and fears of those who believe certain things are
wrong.

Webster's defines "considerate" as thoughtful of the rights and feelings of
others, i.e. sympathetic regard; which is no doubt near impossible for
Christians afflicted with narcissistic personality disorder: a toxic
psychological condition characterized by a grandiose sense of self
importance, a need for excessive admiration, exploitive behavior in
relationships, and a lack of empathy.
_

 

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● Rom 15:7 . . Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order
to bring praise to God.

That's a bit tricky but I think it just means all Christians should acknowledge
each other as Christians regardless of age, race, gender, or economic status;
and treat one another as Christians though they may differ in opinion about
what constitutes a true Christian.

For example: it's not unusual to hear a Christian pontificate that real
Christians would never watch R-rated movies, gamble, wear a speedo or a
string bikini, use cosmetics, smoke marijuana, expose cleavage or wear skin
tight yoga pants in public, stop for a beer on the way home from work, have
a glass of wine before bedtime, listen to RAP music, ditch church and
Sunday school for years at a time, or go in a bar or a nightclub where
there's topless female dancers up on a stage twining themselves around a
pole while leering men stuff currency into the hems of their skimpy little
costumes.

Too many Christians have the opinion that unless others believe and practice
the very same way they believe and practice, then those others are not
Christians. Well; the easiest way to settle this is to follow Webster's
definition that a Christian is simply someone who professes a belief in the
teachings of Jesus Christ. That's it: no more, no less, and no qualifiers. They
don't even have to practice The Lord's teachings; they only have to profess
to believe in them.

An internet forum I was on in the past made it even easier. In order to
qualify as a Christian on that forum; one only had to believe they were a
Christian; viz: they didn't have to prove they were a Christian; no, they only
had to be convinced in their own minds that they were a Christian. If we all
followed that rule it would put a stop to a lot of unnecessary quarreling,
name calling, and bad feelings.

NOTE: Heresy is subjective. In other words: what's heresy to a Catholic
may not be heresy to a Methodist, and vice versa. And what's heresy to a
Mormon may not be heresy to a Jehovah's Witness, and vice versa. And
what's heresy to a Baptist may not be heresy to the Church Of God, and vice
versa. So my advice is: never, ever call another Christian a heretic.

Just to be on the safe side; edit that label from your remarks because it just
might be that you yourself are the one infected with heresy and don't know
it; viz: be circumspect with your choice of words because the hapless day
just may arrive when you are forced to eat them.

It ain't what you know that gets you into trouble.
It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.
— Mark Twain —
_

 

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● 1Cor 10:24 . . Nobody should seek only his own good, but also the good of
others.

That's not saying it's wrong to seek your own good; just wrong to seek it at
the expense of another's good; viz: selfish ambition might be an acceptable
modus operandi in professional sports, politics, and big business; but it's
totally unacceptable in one's association with fellow believers.

And there is nothing new in that; I mean after all; it's just another way of
expressing the so-called golden rule; which states: "All things whatsoever ye
would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them. (Matt 7:12)

It's interesting to note that if people weren't so thoughtless and cold; there
would be no need for laws that force them to do right by their fellow man.
_

 

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● 1Cor 10:27-29 . . If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to
go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience.
But if anyone says to you "This has been offered in sacrifice" then do not eat
it, both for the sake of the man who told you and for conscience' sake— the
other man's conscience, I mean, not yours.

If you go ahead and dine in someone's home where you know in advance
the food is either dedicated to, or blessed by, a pagan deity, or that when
they say grace around the table it will be to a god other than your own, or to
a sacred personage that you do not accept; then your host is quite possibly
going to come to the conclusion that his religion is just as valid as yours if
you don't decline.

This is not saying that Catholics and Protestants can't eat together and/or
pray together around the table; nor is it saying that Christians and Jews
can't eat together and pray together around the table: not when Catholics,
Protestants, and Jews are all praying to the same God: just from a different
perspective.

I will say this though: if you are a Catholic host, and your guests are either
Protestants or Jews; then for heaven's sake DO NOT pray around the table
to Christ's mom and/or to one of Catholicism's many patron saints. That is
extremely offensive to Protestants and Jews, and totally unnecessary
anyway when you can just as easily say grace to the one supreme being
common to you all.
_

 

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● 1Cor 10:32-33 . . Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the
Gentiles, nor to the church of God: even as I please all men in all things, not
seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

The main idea here is courtesy and with respect to cultural differences, viz:
tolerance; defined by Webster's as sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or
practices differing from, or conflicting with, one's own-- which is just the
opposite of bigotry.
_

 

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● 1Cor 11:33-34 . . My brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for
each other. If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you
meet together it may not result in judgment.

The command doesn't frown upon things like church banquets, men's'
breakfasts, ladies' luncheons, and/or potlucks per se. What it's criticizing is a
lack of congregational unity. Here's comments leading up to that verse.

● 1Cor 11:17-22 . . Now in giving these instructions I do not praise you,
since you come together not for the better but for the worse. For first of all,
when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among
you, and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, that
those who are approved may be recognized among you.

. . .Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat The
Lord's Supper. For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others;
and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses to
eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who
have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not
praise you.

Their lack of love and unity during church functions was nothing short of
hypocrisy seeing as how The Lord's supper speaks of sacrifice rather than
selfishness, elitism, and hoarding. In other words; seeing as how Christians
all share in Christ's blood equally-- and deserve hell equally --then everyone
should be given equal treatment at church regardless of age, gender, skin
color, intelligence, income level, nationality, what side of the tracks they live
on, or social status.

None of Christ's body parts are untouchable; nor are any of them
expendable. God forbid that there should be some sort of caste system in a
gathering of people for whom Christ suffered and died equally for each one.
That just wouldn't be right: it would be an insult to the principles underlying
The Lord's supper.

● Matt 26:27 . . Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them,
saying: Drink from it, all of you.

If Christians are all drinking from the same cup, then they should all be, at
the very least, eating the same food and not be overly concerned about
where they sit and/or who they sit next to and/or who they're seen with.
And they should also make double sure that everyone gets enough to eat
and that no one gets left out and nobody gets more than his fair share. And
they should all sit down together at the same time.

I just hate it when people don't wait for each other. Some get back to the
table and start in gulping, slurping, clattering, and clanking while others
from their table are still in line.

And they should also take into consideration the possibility that a number of
their congregation are in assistance programs like TANF and SNAP. In other
words; don't just bring enough food from home for yourself; but, if you're
able, bring enough for those among you who can't bring anything at all. And
for heaven's sake, don't bring a side dish of gourmet food along just for
yourself. Leave your special gourmet stuff at home. There's just no excuse
for flaunting your "sophistication" around church thus giving everyone the
impression that everyone else's tastes are below yours.

You know; why am I even saying these things? In point of fact, why even
did Paul? I mean: shouldn't Christians be eo ipso sources of the milk of
human kindness without somebody shaming them and lecturing them into
being humane with their fellow believers and taking thought for their
feelings? Why must so many Christians be practically strong-armed into
being courteous with one another?
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● 1Cor 16:20 . . Greet one another with a holy kiss.

Kissing was a common form of greeting in the old world; and still is in the
Middle East and certain parts of Europe; but here in America-- a super-sized
racial/cultural/ethnic amalgam of customs from all over the globe --it's wise
to dispense your kisses with discretion. Some of us don't even like to be
hugged, let alone bussed; and if you should perchance try to make physical
contact with an autistic Christian, you're liable to cause them a panic attack;
so go easy on the touchy-feely stuff.

The people to whom Paul referred as "one another" are one's fellow born
again Christians. We're not required to be cozy with unbelievers. You can be
courteous to them, yes (cf. Matt 5:47) but reserve especially warm greetings
for your siblings; viz: those who've undergone a second birth as per John
1:12-13 and John 3:3-8, and thus share your adoption into God's home as
per Rom 8:15-17.
_

 

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● 1Cor 16:22 . . If anyone love not The Lord, let him be accursed.

One's love of The Lord is evidenced by loyalty.

● John 14:15 . . If you love me, you will comply with what I command.

● John 14:21 . .Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one
who loves me.

● John 14:23-24 . . If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching . . He who
does not love me will not obey my teaching.

Does a Muslim have to be a terrorist to be accursed? No; they only have to
be a loyal follower of Muhammad ibn `Abdullāh instead of a loyal follower of
Jesus Christ; same goes for Atheists, Nonreligious, Baha'i, Buddhists,
Chinese Universalists, Confucianists, Jains, Kabbalah mystics, Shintoists,
Spiritists, Taoists, Zoroastrians, Jews, Sikhs, and Hindus-- they're all
accursed and there is nothing to be gained in arguing about it.

How many people am I talking about? Well, as of mid 2014, worldwide there
were:

550,000 Scientologists
1,500,000 Mormons
8,200,000 Jehovah's Witnesses
7,794,000 Baha'i
515,951,000 Buddhists
451,292,000 Chinese Folk Religionists
8,424,000 Confucianists
974,597,000 Hindus
5,567,000 Jains
14,142,000 Jews
1,673,590 Muslims
2,819,000 Shintoists
24,918,000 Sikhs
14,183,000 Spiritists
8,660,000 Taoists
196,000 Zoroastrians
828,594,000 Nonreligious
692,111,000 Agnostics
136,483,000 Atheists.

The grand total of just those categories alone is 5,369,071,000

If those figures are in the ball park, and if classical Christianity is the reality;
then a minimum of at least 75% of the earth's 2014 population of 7.2 billion
people didn't love The Lord.

NOTE: Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons are Christians, yes, but not in the
classical sense.

Joseph Smith's movement is a spin-off; in other words: there's some
classical Christianity in Mormonism, but comprises only a portion of
Mormonism. The rest of it is extreme, to say the least.

Neither do Jehovah's Witnesses qualify as Christians in the classical sense.
Charles Taze Russell's movement is a spin-off too. There's some classical
Christianity in the Watchtower Society's doctrines, but comprises only a
portion of Russell's doctrines; and his slant on it is very peculiar.

BTW: A book that I personally consider an essential volume in every
Christian's library is called: "Kingdom Of The Cults" by Walter Martin.
_

 

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● 2Cor 2:5-10 . . The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is
sufficient for him. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so
that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore,
to reaffirm your love for him.

The cause for which Paul wrote that section was a guy in the Corinthian
church sleeping with his stepmother (1Cor 5:1). Paul had commanded the
congregation to not only hold the man's feet to the fire, but also to ostracize
him.

Some time had passed since then, and the man was apparently regretting
his actions, and broken off the illicit relationship with his kin, so it was time
to let him back into the group. No doubt the humiliation of it all had a
tremendous impact upon his attitude-- probably upon the congregation's too
because at first their attitude wasn't all that good about it either. (cf. 1Cor
5:2)

Here in America scolding and ostracizing a church member would probably
just make them indignant rather than repentant.
_

 

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● 2Cor 2:9-11 . . If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have
forgiven-- if there was anything to forgive --I have forgiven in the sight of
Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not
unaware of his schemes.

One of the opposition's tactics is to create disunity in a church. Sure enough
when that happens-- as when one portion of the congregation believes in
judging and ostracizing while the other doesn't --people start taking sides
and the church will end up divided into cliques and factions. According to the
lord and master of New Testament Christianity, a house divided against itself
cannot stand.

Paul mentioned that his extension of forgiveness was "in the sight of Christ".
There exists some controversy as to the exact meaning but I think it's just
saying that Paul's forgiveness of that man was done in accordance with.
Christ's approval; to the end that the Corinthians all go along with it, i.e.
stand together as one.
_

 

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● Gal 5:26 . . Let us not be conceited, provoking one another, envying one
another.

Webster's defines "conceit" as: excessive self-appreciation of one's own
worth or virtue.

There's nothing intrinsically wrong with having strong core values and/or
believing in yourself, but if you should find yourself somewhat indignant
and/or resentful when others don't believe in you, or when they think very
little of your core values; then watch out because that's a symptom of
conceit, and it will hinder you from obeying The Lord's orders in regard to
getting along with fellow believers.

The koiné word for "envy" is phthoneo (fthon-eh'-o) which means: hostile
toward a rival, or towards someone believed to enjoy an advantage. In other
words; we're talking about a competitive spirit— not the good-natured,
friendly kind but a malicious kind of competitive spirit that resents others
doing better than itself, or more popular than itself, or more recognized than
itself, or more admired than itself; viz; it's all about self.

Rivalry is a very destructive passion. It got Abel slain by his own brother,
and it got Christ slain by his own people. Rivalry makes otherwise sensible
people behave contrary to their own better judgment, and gets them
embroiled in oftentimes unnecessary vendettas; e.g. gender rivalry and
racial rivalry. Now those two there are very destructive social influences.

If none of the above describes you; consider yourself fortunate.

The koiné word for "provoke" is prokaleomai (prok-al-eh'-om-ahee) which
means to challenge; viz: to get in somebody's face in an obnoxious,
assertive, confrontational manner; which is a kind of behavior that prevents
people from deserving identification with God's kin.

"Blessed are the peaceable: for they shall be called the children of God."
(Matt 5:9)
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● Gal 6:1a . . Brethren, even if someone is caught in the very act of any
trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness;

The koiné Greek word for "trespass" is interesting. It can refer to willful
misconduct and/or unintentional misconduct.

Restoration does not apply to visitors; only to members on a church's roles;
i.e. the congregation. The visitors' business is none of our business so don't
go sticking your nose in it.

The Greek word for "restore" basically means to repair or adjust, viz:
restoration applies to maladjusted Christians, i.e. the ones whose
misconduct is habitual, and quite possibly detrimental to a church's overall
health.

The restoration process is specifically the turf of "spiritual" Christians. In
churches where people are conceited, assertive, confrontational, embroiled
in petty rivalries, debating, quarrelling, and maybe even jostling for
notoriety; the spiritual ones are obviously going to be as scarce as California
Condors.

A spirit of gentleness precludes the use of bullying, intimidation, rage.
yelling, demeaning comments, ugly remarks, brow beating, and such. Those
kinds of behaviors aren't gentle, no, they're cruel.

● Gal 6:1b . . each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted.

The Greek word for "tempted" is somewhat ambiguous. It primarily means
to test; but can also mean endeavor, scrutinize, entice, and/or discipline.

I think what the restorers are being cautioned against is going about a right
thing in a wrong way so that they themselves wind up taken to task for
conduct unbecoming. In some people's minds, the end justifies the means so
long as it benefits the so-called greater good. But that's Machiavellian
thinking rather than Christian thinking.

In other words: the restorers need to tread lightly because if they go after
an alleged offender like a lynch mob; then they themselves should expect to
be seen by others as a toxic menace and a threat to peace and cohesion.

Confronting somebody in a holier-than-thou attitude is unacceptable too.
Just because someone has been taken in fault does not make the jury
somehow superior human specimens.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider
others better than yourselves." (Phil 2:3)
_

 

[Heyjude]

The Hebrew meaning or root word of "Love" is "Give".
Most people on earth think the meaning of the word "Love" is "Take".

So they say they "love" fish for instance. What they really mean is they want to stab a knife in it and eat it. Or they "love" chocolate" because they want to stuff their face with it or love eating it. These are all "take" words.

You even hear some people say "I want Love". (Elton John even sung it) Well yes I suppose everyone does and everyone deserves love.

I think there is not enough "love" in the world as the word itself has been "confused" like the languages of Babylon. So if people think Love means take then no wonder the world is in trouble. Too many takers and not enough givers.

If you substitute the meaning "take" for "give" then you understand what Love is. Sacrifice is Love. In fact the truest lesson for all humans is that you actually get more out of helping other people that you do yourself. This is true God given Love and Jesus gave the biggest display of Love is Sacrifice than anyone ever could. Because God is Love.

 

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● Gal 6:1-2 . . Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.

It's human nature to shun people with problems so they don't drag us into a
world of inconvenience and/or negativity. But that is not what I call fulfilling
the law of Christ; which reads thusly:

● John 13:34-35 . . A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have
loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you
are my disciples, if you love one another.

The love that is defined by "As I have loved you" is a kind of love willing to
suffer inconvenience, shame, humiliation, embarrassment, and disgrace for
the sake of another. Christ's love isn't a fault-finding attitude; it's a
supportive virtue: it doesn't only feel your pain, it gets involved in your pain.

Church can be the loneliest place on earth when nobody cares enough about
you to get involved in your pain; but instead would just as soon not know
about it. Sadly, there is about as much love for one another in modern
churches as there is amongst an audience of strangers at the movies. I
sincerely believe that a lot of that indifference has to do with modern
churches just simply being too big and too busy.
_

 

[Heyjude]

.
● Gal 6:1-2 . . Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.

It's human nature to shun people with problems so they don't drag us into a
world of inconvenience and/or negativity. But that is not what I call fulfilling
the law of Christ; which reads thusly:

● John 13:34-35 . . A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have
loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you
are my disciples, if you love one another.

The love that is defined by "As I have loved you" is a kind of love willing to
suffer inconvenience, shame, humiliation, embarrassment, and disgrace for
the sake of another. Christ's love isn't a fault-finding attitude; it's a
supportive virtue: it doesn't only feel your pain, it gets involved in your pain.

Church can be the loneliest place on earth when nobody cares enough about
you to get involved in your pain; but instead would just as soon not know
about it. Sadly, there is about as much love for one another in modern
churches as there is amongst an audience of strangers at the movies. I
sincerely believe that a lot of that indifference has to do with modern
churches just simply being too big and too busy.
_

Yes I agree with you on that. Although in England the Church's are small and the same thing happens. Or as someone in the music business once said "Its like making Elvis King, worshipping his guitar or visiting Gracelands but not knowing any of his songs".

 

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● Gal 6:10 . . So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men,
and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

Good can take any number of forms but I think a useful description we could
apply here is "beneficial".

Jesus did good (Acts 10:30) i.e. he was very definitely beneficial; not just on
the cross or by his teachings, but in non spiritual ways too.

Those who are of the "household of the faith" are actually kin; viz: siblings;
and like they say: charity begins at home.

Some churches have what they call a deacon's fund; to assist members who
are down and out and/or in dire straits.

And don't overlook your church's senior citizens. Some may be getting up in
years and finding it difficult to even maintain their own homes and yards
anymore. Chores may not seem all that spiritual; but pitch in anyway if for
no other reason than your assistance is beneficial.
_

 

[oldethennew]

a camel with no ears,
is like a camel with no water
and will never make it through
the wilderness...
though he trod the sands for forty-years...

 

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● Eph 4:2 . . Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, putting up with
another in love.

NOTE: That's an interesting command because no doubt it's not asking us to
do something that Christ doesn't do every day: endure his sheep's stupidity,
their lack of civility, and their natural preference for impiety.

Humility is one of those virtues that people love to talk about; but rarely
ever seem to exemplify.

The koiné Greek word is a tongue twister. It's tapeinophrosune (tap-i-nof
ros-oo'-nay) which means: humiliation of mind, viz: modesty; defined by
Webster's as: free from conceit and/or vanity.

Conceit is defined as: excessive appreciation of one's own worth or virtue;
viz: a too-high opinion of one's self; i.e. a master-race mentality.

Vanity is defined as: inflated pride in oneself or in one's appearance; viz:
narcissism and/or self adoration.

Cosmetics and figure-shaping undergarments don't really qualify as the kind
of vanity that Paul is talking about; which is a kind of vanity that goes way
beyond just trying to look your best.

Sinful vanity is an ugly creature. It's self aggrandizing. Vanity isn't gentle
either, on the contrary, vanity can be quite cruel, thoughtless, competitive,
given to rivalry, indifferent, and insensitive; and vanity abhors associating
with people whose station in life is decidedly below its own; and God forbid
someone below themselves should have the nerve to correct either their
conduct or their knowledge.

Patience is a jewel. It's defined as: the power, or capacity, to endure without
complaint something difficult or disagreeable. Patient people seem to have a
predilection for retaining their composure while under stress. These make
the best leaders because they don't get flustered when everything around
them is disintegrating into chaos.

Patience is very useful when it comes to "putting up" with certain kinds of
chafing Christians who seem to have a knack for getting on people's nerves.

During my forty years working as a professional welder, I encountered
numerous fellow employees whose skills and performance were excellent;
but nobody could work with them. They were just too difficult.

Heaven forbid that Christ's followers should ever be "difficult". It is rather to
be desired that they be civil, courteous, thoughtful, sociable, agreeable,
helpful, approachable, accommodating, affable, rational, reasonable,
temperate, and self-controlled. Christians around whom everybody has to
walk on egg shells all the time, are in sore need of a personality make-over
if they're to ever have any realistic expectation of associating with God as
His kin.

● Matt 5:9 . . Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the
children of God."
_

 

[Heyjude]

.
● Gal 6:1a . . Brethren, even if someone is caught in the very act of any
trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness;

The koiné Greek word for "trespass" is interesting. It can refer to willful
misconduct and/or unintentional misconduct.

Restoration does not apply to visitors; only to members on a church's roles;
i.e. the congregation. The visitors' business is none of our business so don't
go sticking your nose in it.

The Greek word for "restore" basically means to repair or adjust, viz:
restoration applies to maladjusted Christians, i.e. the ones whose
misconduct is habitual, and quite possibly detrimental to a church's overall
health.

The restoration process is specifically the turf of "spiritual" Christians. In
churches where people are conceited, assertive, confrontational, embroiled
in petty rivalries, debating, quarrelling, and maybe even jostling for
notoriety; the spiritual ones are obviously going to be as scarce as California
Condors.

A spirit of gentleness precludes the use of bullying, intimidation, rage.
yelling, demeaning comments, ugly remarks, brow beating, and such. Those
kinds of behaviors aren't gentle, no, they're cruel.

● Gal 6:1b . . each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted.

The Greek word for "tempted" is somewhat ambiguous. It primarily means
to test; but can also mean endeavor, scrutinize, entice, and/or discipline.

I think what the restorers are being cautioned against is going about a right
thing in a wrong way so that they themselves wind up taken to task for
conduct unbecoming. In some people's minds, the end justifies the means so
long as it benefits the so-called greater good. But that's Machiavellian
thinking rather than Christian thinking.

In other words: the restorers need to tread lightly because if they go after
an alleged offender like a lynch mob; then they themselves should expect to
be seen by others as a toxic menace and a threat to peace and cohesion.

Confronting somebody in a holier-than-thou attitude is unacceptable too.
Just because someone has been taken in fault does not make the jury
somehow superior human specimens.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider
others better than yourselves." (Phil 2:3)
_

Good Morning Webers home (nice to meet you). Hey Jude here.
Can you tell me what you mean when you say

"Restoration does not apply to visitors; only to members on a church's roles;
i.e. the congregation. The visitors' business is none of our business so don't
go sticking your nose in it." (?)

And I think Jesus used one of his parables to explain exactly who our "neighbour " is? I think we should pay close attention to the two commandments he said were most vital? Who is our neighbour?

The parable, found in Luke 10: 25-37, teaches us that God wants us to be kind to all human beings, regardless of their race, status, or physical characteristics. In addition, real kindness isn’t shown with fancy words, but by doing jobs that most people don’t want to do. Jesus told the story of a man who was attacked by robbers while traveling. When they left him for dead by the side of the road, neither a priest nor a Levite stopped to help him. It was a Samaritan, a person often shunned by Jews, who took pity on him and brought him to an inn to take care of him.

Kindness is all about “getting our hands dirty”. The best way to show people we love them is by being willing to help them, even if it means that we have to be “inconvenienced”. The priest and the Levite both preached about love, but they didn’t take the opportunity to show it. Only the Samaritan was willing to use his time and money to help the man. It probably wasn’t pleasant to dress the man’s wounds, and maybe he arrived later to his destination because he helped him, but the Samaritan did those things anyway. In return, he had the satisfaction of knowing he helped someone, and God surely would have rewards for him in heaven as well.

Anyhow, forgive me if I misunderstood your "Point" (in the Harry Nilsson use of "Point") but I am a drummer (and you know what they are like)....

Kindness is Free friend.