S) "9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one."
1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (NASB)
O) "Don't judge me." is a phrase I've heard a lot. It's a very delicate subject and creates a lot of hard feelings, I think. Paul makes it clear that we are not supposed to judge some one who doesn't even believe in Jesus. That makes sense. On a related note, it's difficult to use the Bible to prove God exists, to some one who doesn't believe the Bible is 100% truth. This passage, though, clearly shows that we have to at least... be aware... of the behavior of other believers. As Christians, we are agreeing to hold ourselves to God's standard, realizing that we are likely to fail, even often, but that is still the righteousness toward which we strive. So, if some one is calling themselves a believer, shouldn't they also be striving to live a holy life? And if they don't, are they truly sullying the name of Jesus Christ? I think the root of it is in two things: First, a believer who is practicing sin is misrepresenting what it means to be a Christian. Second, a believer who is practicing sin is likely to lead other believers to sin.
A) My first responsibility is to ensure that I am striving to live a holy life. It's important to differentiate and say that, making a mistake, or committing an isolated sin, is going to happen. That's why we have the grace and mercy of God, though. As long as I am repentant, then I shouldn't beat myself up over a mistake. Second, I need to be very careful about... observing... the behavior of other believers. I shouldn't be eager to evaluate other people, but at the same time, I can't turn a blind eye. As I mentioned earlier, the attitude of a repentant heart is the most differentiating factor, and perhaps the very most important thing, regarding sin. That's when things get really tricky with other people, though. How do you gauge if some one else is truly repentant? So, I think the most important thing is, if an issue must be addressed, that it's done with pure love. It requires an established relationship, I think, so the person knows that I am coming to them in love. I need to offer any help that I can, rather than simple rebuke. Most importantly, I must rely on the Holy Spirit to lead me through such a volitile occasion.
Noted: I need to be sure my own attitude is right, if I am ever approached about my own sins!
P) Father, forgive me of my own sins and mistakes. God, I pray that I never have to approach some one about their own sin. Having said that, if You ever ask me to do so, please guide me carefully with Your Holy Spirit. Give me the words to speak and the right way to speak them. I pray that You would perpetually soften my heart, LORD, so that I never have a judgemental spirit. In all things, help me act out of compassion, mercy, grace, and love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) My first responsibility is to ensure that I am striving to live a holy life. It's important to differentiate and say that, making a mistake, or committing an isolated sin, is going to happen. That's why we have the grace and mercy of God, though. As long as I am repentant, then I shouldn't beat myself up over a mistake. Second, I need to be very careful about... observing... the behavior of other believers. I shouldn't be eager to evaluate other people, but at the same time, I can't turn a blind eye. As I mentioned earlier, the attitude of a repentant heart is the most differentiating factor, and perhaps the very most important thing, regarding sin. That's when things get really tricky with other people, though. How do you gauge if some one else is truly repentant? So, I think the most important thing is, if an issue must be addressed, that it's done with pure love. It requires an established relationship, I think, so the person knows that I am coming to them in love. I need to offer any help that I can, rather than simple rebuke. Most importantly, I must rely on the Holy Spirit to lead me through such a volitile occasion.
Noted: I need to be sure my own attitude is right, if I am ever approached about my own sins!
P) Father, forgive me of my own sins and mistakes. God, I pray that I never have to approach some one about their own sin. Having said that, if You ever ask me to do so, please guide me carefully with Your Holy Spirit. Give me the words to speak and the right way to speak them. I pray that You would perpetually soften my heart, LORD, so that I never have a judgemental spirit. In all things, help me act out of compassion, mercy, grace, and love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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