Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
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Where can one draw a line between love and respect and still be fulfilling the commandment of love? Can one practice love without respect and respect without love, as for example towards my professor who uses profane language in class?

There is a difference between love and respect. Our Lord loves us unconditionally. If we want to be imitators of Christ, we should do the same. The Holy Bible tells us to love our enemies. We should not dispense our love to others based on their attitudes, personality types, social or economical conditions. Our love should be an unconditional love to everyone. This does not mean that we approve of what they say or do. Our duty is to love and pray for them that they may be delivered from the bondage they are in. After all, sin is a bondage that requires deliverance by the power of God through prayers and supplication. The Church teaches us to love the sinner but to hate the sin. We can always express our opposition to profane language, for example, or any other misbehavior that we do not approve of nor do we want to expose our senses to. It is beneficial to make your professor know that his language is not acceptable. I am sure you will find a number of students who share the same feelings toward him. It might be an idea to approach him privately instead of making a gesture before the whole class. That might be embarrassing to him and could lead to adverse consequences.
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