I understand what you mean by "love of the world" in reference to evil but there is much of this creation that we can love that is of God. Is it wrong to love that?
We seem to have no problem hating our enemies that we "love," even killing them
We are to "love", if possible. It is not possible to love an enemy that wants to tape dynamite to their 3 year old and blow a bus full of people up. It isn't possible to love a man that hits an 85 year old woman to steal her purse, etc., etc., etc.......
Do you really think that Jesus or any of the apostles would have loved them by allowing them to continue their deeds? Of course not. He didn't tell them to carry swords for nothing. (Luke 22:36)
But last time I checked our conservative friends don't walk on water either
True, but they still have their noses above water.
Ah, yes, the loving sword. Live by the sword, love by the sword.
We must live by the sword in this age to stop those that would harm us. We may "live by the sword and die by the sword" but if we don't have a sword we will not only die ourselves but everything we hold dear will fall to evil.
So, all that evil is really "good" for us then? Why have a sword then? If we got rid of the evil God wouldn't know who would follow Him! LOL!
God knows who will follow Him but He is holding His hand out to others too. It is their choice.
You mean there is no critical wart mass that will get us banned? So, just how imperfect is acceptable?
God judges who gets banned so I don't know. I do know that there is only one unforgiveable sin. Only one that will doom us with no chance of His forgiveness.
The Evangelist says it is. And we believe John wrote what the Spirit revealed:
Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [John 2:15]
We are to "love", if possible.
Can you quote a verse that says that (i.e. "if possible")? Or are you just making theology on the fly?
The Old Testament says
You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy" [Lev 19:18]
And the New Testament quotes Christ as saying:
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. [Mat 5:44-45]
It isn't possible to love a man that hits an 85 year old woman to steal her purse
But if you could help that man recognize Christ he would repent and would shed tears and would beg God and that woman for forgiveness. And God would save another lost soul. You are confusing love of your enemies with their acts, not their souls. You'd rather see them killed with no chance of repentance, then try to help them accept Christ.
Loving your enemy is recognizing that even someone like that can be saved. But in order for them to see Christ, they have to see Christ in you. And Christ did not revile his enemies, nor did He smite them. And the Bible, which you claim you believe in, teaches you to follow in His steps, and to suffer if need be.
He didn't tell them to carry swords for nothing
And He said two were too many ("enough then"). And He also ordered Peter to put his sword away. And as far as I can remember, He never told the Apostles to use the sword to kill their enemies.
True, but they still have their noses above water
Matter of opinion.
We must live by the sword in this age to stop those that would harm us. We may "live by the sword and die by the sword" but if we don't have a sword we will not only die ourselves but everything we hold dear will fall to evil
Then you must not have much faith that God will protect us (remember walking on water?). What you are saying is what Judaism and Islam teach, not Christianity.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great. [Mat 5: 10-12]
God knows who will follow Him but He is holding His hand out to others too. It is their choice
Holding out His hand to "others?" Is He 'hoping" they would change their minds? God doesn't "hope," God knows. But He is not partial, and He offers His blessings to everyone, the righteous and the unrighteous.