Biblical Answer

Loving Without Affirming

When we love someone without affirming their choices, it doesn't mean we're being deceitful or insincere. Rather, it means we're choosing to love them regardless of their decisions. This can be challenging, especially when their choices conflict with our values or morals. However, as Christians, we're called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to love even our enemies (Matthew 5:44). This means we must learn to love without condition, even when we disagree with someone's choices.

The Importance of Unconditional Love

Unconditional love is not the same as affirming someone's choices. While affirming someone's choices might mean agreeing with their decisions, unconditional love means we love them regardless of their decisions. This type of love is rooted in our understanding that people are fallen and prone to make mistakes (Romans 3:23). As a result, we must learn to love them in spite of their flaws and shortcomings. This doesn't mean we condone or encourage sinful behavior, but rather that we love them as individuals created in God's image (Genesis 1:27).

Practical Application

So, how can we love someone without affirming their choices? First, we must recognize that our love is not based on their performance or behavior, but on their inherent worth as a human being created by God. We can do this by focusing on their strengths and positive qualities, rather than dwelling on their weaknesses or mistakes. We can also express our love in tangible ways, such as through acts of service, words of encouragement, or physical touch. By doing so, we demonstrate our love and commitment to them, even when we disagree with their choices. Ultimately, loving someone without affirming their choices requires us to put their needs above our own desires and to prioritize their well-being above our own. This is a difficult but essential aspect of Christian love.