Only I am not so sure if isolating ourselves might yet mean that we lack love. At least if it is achieved by running away from the circumstances of life that are not bearable any longer, and thus leaving behind persons who might have needed us a bit longer. This kind of isolation could be viewed as very selfish, don't you think so? That question is on my mind a lot.
Ya, lately that question has also been on my mind a lot...
I'm sure there are cases where it would be selfish and cases where it wouldn't be...and I'm sure we could find scripture that justifies both - either leaving or staying...
Some decisions can be hard, maybe even a bit confusing...but a former pastor of mine taught that any decision we make is satisfying to God when we are consistently living by His Will for us...
So what is God's Will for us?
1 - That we be saved
1 Timothy 2:3-4
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of
God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you,
not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 - To be Spirit-filled
Ephesians 5:17-18
Therefore do not be foolish,
but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit
3 - to be Sanctified
1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.
4 - To be Submissive
1 Peter 2:13-15
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.
5 - Suffering
Philippians 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him
2 Timothy 3:12
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart."
If we are continuously living by the five ways listed above, I believe God will put desires in us that reflect His Will...Therefore, we can be confident that in whatever we do, it pleases God.
So I guess the hard part really isn't making the decision to either run away or stay, but rather to continuously live by the Will of God so that you can do whatever you want without guilt or regret.
