[ealgeone]

Any member of a church who has yet to come to saving faith in Christ is close to family.

Actually, the Word notes that if you are not in Christ you are an enemy. (Romans 5:10)

You're either with Christ or not.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

” Actually, the Word notes that if you are not in Christ you are an enemy. (Romans 5:10) You’re either with Christ or not. “

To clarify...

Before someone comes to faith in Christ, they are in the position of being an enemy to God. Separated. Lost in sin. Under condemnation. In need of a Savior because it is impossible to pay the penalty for their sins, since that penalty is death.

And so were we.

Those who are moving toward being in a right relationship with God, but are not yet, are not my enemy. They are not yet family. They are closer than those who do not care.

My job is to love them and encourage them toward a right relationship with him.