Vol. 9, No. 4

June, 1972

Now Abideth--Love.

One great blessing enjoyed by all who are “written up” by LOVING editors, is the assurance that when an injustice is called to the attention of one who LOVES them, it will be promptly corrected. In a recent editorial called “No Limit to Loving,” (Firm Foundation, May 2, ‘72) bro. Lemmon’s wrote, “A local contractor in Austin, working on a church building used for worship by a factious group of brethren, chided the leader of that congregation about the benevolent work being done by the church in the only way they taught it could be done “scripturally.” The leader first admitted that they were doing “not nearly enough.” When pressed, he said, “I don’t know of any right now.” May we suggest that love is not as great as it should be or it would prompt something to be done for the unfortunate". Is bro. Lemmons completely unaware that some lovable brethren recognize a distinction in the work of saints as individuals, and that which they are authorized to perform collectively? (Ex.: “If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.” 1 Tim. 5:16) It is the same principle of distinction that bro. Lemmons recognizes when he contends that individual saints

may support colleges, but “the church” should not. On this basis that “factious group of brethren” (whom bro. Lemmons loves) could be manifesting generous benevolence to various saints and sinners, and supporting general welfare programs of their community and nation, although at that time (“right now”) no benevolent funds were being dispensed from the church treasury. Once bro. Lemmons realizes this he will hasten to correct this injustice for “Love does not ignore right. It does not ignore justice. It does not ignore feelings.” And there could be nothing more unloving than the use of an otherwise beautiful editorial on LOVE, to take a swat at brethren with whom one disagrees. Even the disciplinary aspects of love are not vindictive, but evidence a desire to bring all men to the rule of God in Christ. Paul LOVED those in Thessalonica, of whom he wrote, “If any would not work, neither should he eat.” (2 Thess. 3:10) “Count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (Vs. 15) If bro. Lemmons recognizes no distinction in individual and “church” obligations, he will surely teach us so — in LOVE, and with SCRIPTURES. [Previous Article] [Next Article]

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