Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin: Reflecting Christ in Compassion and Love

Re-examining Christian Attitudes in a Divided World

by Susan E. Barth, SCC-C, BCMMHC

Spiritual Christian Counselor and Wellness Instructor      

Christian Guidance & Wellness Center

September 29, 2025

In a world torn by outrage and division, the principle of “love the sinner, hate the sin” stands as both a profound challenge and a radical invitation to genuine Christian living.  As we reflect on the life and voice of Charlie Kirk—a figure whose Christian witness has influenced many—we are called to consider how we, too, might navigate these tumultuous times with both truth and love. Recent violent events, including the horrific loss of innocent children, have only heightened the urgency of this reflection as headlines and social feeds fill with anger, accusations, and soundbites that often leave little room for grace for anyone.

Charlie Kirk’s outspoken faith and presence in the public square have been sources of inspiration for many and controversy for others. Yet, it is precisely because of the passion and clarity with which Kirk has spoken that we find ourselves wrestling anew with how to hold fast to Biblical convictions, while also embodying the empathy and loving dialogue that Christ modeled.  We fail to see this exemplified in the drama of the political arena. Instead, finger-pointing, blaming, and demeaning name-calling have become more prevalent than ever.  We are watching this unfold in our Country, and it is certainly not what Christ expects of us. This is clear through these following scriptures, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:29-32) “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: Love your neighbor as yourself. If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” (Galatians 5:14-15) Now, more than ever, it is essential that we embody and practice this way of life. 

At the heart of Charlie Kirk’s message is a deep commitment to the authority of Scripture and the imperative to live out Christian values in both word and deed. Kirk has not shied away from addressing difficult cultural issues, consistently returning to the teachings of Jesus as his foundation. He has encouraged believers to engage the world with both conviction and compassion, reminding us that faith must be visible and vibrant in every sphere of life.

His rhetoric, while firm, often draws from Biblical principles—calling for the courage to speak truth even when unpopular. Yet, it is important to remember that such firmness is not a license for harshness or condemnation.  We will achieve the most significant impact when our advocacy is accompanied by a genuine love for those with whom we disagree, embodying the Biblical mandate to love our neighbors as ourselves. Ephesians 4:3 states, Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. In an ideal world for Christians, everyone would have read the Bible, known the Word of God well, and lived in obedience to Him.  However, is this realistic in a free country or fleshly world? If we hold these expectations, are we diminishing God’s sovereign free will? We must remember that God is in control, He is the judge, and we must surrender to Him.   

It is here that every Christian must pause and ask: Am I more concerned with being right, or with being loving?  How do I respond to those whose actions or beliefs diverge from my own convictions? Do I fall into the trap of condemnation, or do I extend the empathy that Jesus offered to the broken and the lost? Scripture is clear that judgment belongs to God alone. Jesus himself rebuked the self-righteousness of the Pharisees, emphasizing instead the call to love, forgive, and restore. “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7), remains a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and need for grace.  The primary challenge for Christians is the expectation from non-believers to accept their behaviors and choices. When we do not, it is often misconstrued as intolerance or hate. However, this is not reflective of true Christian behavior. We can educate others on how tolerance can be expected and extended through our own actions.

          The Church must navigate the delicate and sometimes difficult balance between upholding sacred standards and understanding those in need of redemption.  When I find myself slipping into self-righteousness, I am reminded of God’s unwavering love for us, which is akin to the love we have for our own children and loved ones. Our children may sin, but that does not diminish our love for them.  Similarly, God as our Creator and Maker does not cease to love His children. We must reflect on whether our words and actions are drawing people closer to Christ or pushing them away!  Are we known for our empathy and patience, or for our quickness in judging?  These are critical questions that warrant contemplation, both individually and as a community.  Christians are held to a higher standard than those walking in the flesh. We must be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to help them, through our examples of love, question if they are choosing the right paths. 

Our broader society often responds to tragedy and injustice with collective outrage—sometimes justified, often overwhelming, and rarely tempered by genuine empathy. We see this in public discourse, where the impulse to “cancel” or discredit often replaces the slow, difficult work of understanding and reconciliation from differing sides. In the aftermath of injustice, the loudest voices can drown out those who need to be heard most. As Christians, we are called to respond differently. While it is right to lament evil and seek justice, our response must always be marked by compassion. Outrage can motivate action, but it cannot heal wounds or reconcile divided hearts. True empathy seeks to listen, to understand, and to accompany others in their suffering—even when we vehemently disagree with their choices or beliefs. This is the costly love that Jesus demonstrated as he wept with those who mourned, ate with those who were despised, and forgave those who persecuted him.

Living out the principle of “love the sinner, hate the sin” demands maturity—a deeper kind of love that goes beyond sentiment or easy slogans. It means seeing the image of God in every person, even those whose lives or worldviews challenge us. It means speaking truth with humility, seeking not to win arguments, but to win souls by the love we sow. Compassion is not weakness; it is the fruit of a Spirit-formed life. It enables us to bear with one another’s failings, to gently correct, and to offer hope rather than despair. In this, we follow the example of Christ, who loved sinners fiercely and sacrificially, yet never compromised on righteousness. The Church must reclaim this kind of love—one that is both firm in conviction and expansive in empathy.

Practical steps to do so include listening actively, entering into the pain of others, refraining from reducing individuals to their worst decisions, and ridding of blame (You cannot blame a whole demographic for the actions of one. This blaming must cease.) Within a community, this involves pairing accountability with encouragement, setting boundaries with gentleness, and offering correction within the context of a relationship.  These practices are essential for everyone, as extending tolerance and love is crucial for the survival of humanity.  Tolerance involves seeing with your heart, not with your eyes.  We seek understanding in our choice to follow our Biblical path, just as others seek understanding through their beliefs. While we may not agree, it is imperative that we exercise compassion and remain filled with peace.

In this age of outrage and division, the legacy of Christ calls us to this higher standard. To love the sinner and hate the sin is not a call to ambiguity, but to the deepest kind of clarity: one that sees people as God sees them, treasured and redeemable, no matter their failures, as Christ did for us. May we, as followers of Jesus, refuse to participate in cycles of condemnation and instead become agents of reconciliation, healing, and hope. Let us be known not by the loudness of our outrage, but by the maturity of our empathy and the steadfastness of our love.

As we move forward, let us embrace the challenging yet grace-filled work of engaging in loving dialogue, demonstrating courageous compassion, and maintaining firm faith.  In doing so, we bear witness to the Savior who not only loved us first, (1 John 4:19) but also forgave and reconciled us through His ultimate sacrifice, (Eph. 4:32, 2 Cor 5:18), because in the end, “The only thing that counts if faith expressing itself through love.” (Galatians 5:6)  

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