2025.01.24

Posted on by Rev. Dr. Patrick A. Sileo

…if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Galatians 6:1

Notice Paul uses “a spirit of gentleness” towards the transgressor rather than the spirit of judgement, anger, abusiveness, retribution, arrogance, etc..

Paul is teaching to care for the transgressor and act in love. He wants you to see their humanness.

But Paul also acknowledges that you too are human and cautions that one must always be self-aware to avoid temptation of said transgression.

Augustine once wrote: “Cum dilectione hominum et odio vitiorum.” (translated: “With love for mankind and hatred of sins.”) Letter 211

This phrase has evolved into “love the sinner but hate the sin.”

Gosh, that almost sounds like…

Love-Mischief!

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Published by Rev. Dr. Patrick A. Sileo

Pat (HitchHiker/Godzilla) is the pastor of Kearsarge Community Presbyterian Church of New London, New Hampshire. He is Jenise's (“J”) husband, Peter (Chewbacca) and Nicole's (Baby) dad, Colin's (Schmooze) father-in-law, and Odin’s (Mayhem) personal butler. Pat is and always will be a passionate and bigger than life follower of Jesus Christ who dabbles in many things; you will get a feel when you follow his Search for 42!