PIC: karsten-winegeart-mdKnirjR95c. Unsplash
You, me – we all somehow have a tendency towards quickly rejecting anyone who offends us. And pointing fingers is easy to do. In fact, hate is easy and gossip too. How’s your talkin’, by the way?
But Scripture shows us the better way to go (1 John 2:15-17). I will go forever in this:
“…the one
who does the will of God
and carries out His purposes
lives forever.
– 1 John 2:15-17
Pete Garcia is rev310.net
How to deal with the sins of others
There are two ways, at least two, to deal with the sins of others in the church. Scripture shows us.
On the one hand we are urged to reinstate a sinner. Yet on the other hand we are told to be careful not to quickly approve “someone for ministry or an office in the church”.
2 Corinthians 2:8
Therefore I urge you to reinstate him in your affections and reaffirm your love for him.
1 Timothy 5:22
Do not hurry to lay hands on anyone [ordaining and approving someone for ministry or an office in the church, or in reinstating expelled offenders], and thereby share in the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.
_______
We are always urged to forgive and forget. Well, maybe not “forget”, but …don’t hold it against them. That is what true forgiveness does: Forgiveness does not bring it up, again and again, and keep the whispers of gossip alive and well in the church.
Love others (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Yes. Pure and simple.
But don’t try to do God’s work: God will deal with recalcitrant sin repeaters. God eventually gives them a free rein, and you too, if you persist in a sinful practice against His will. Scary thought.
A born again follower of Christ will never “fall into condemnation” ever ag’in. Maybe he-she will be condemned by others, but not by God. Our salvation is bigger than most realize.
However… beware lest you think you were saved — when actually your confession was not accepted because God saw through to your unrepentedness.
While we are on this topic: Was your confession accepted by God? Beware the evil heart. Is God perhaps workin’ to bring you into the fold?
who thinks he stands firm
[immune to temptation,
being overconfident
and self-righteous],
take care
that he does not fall
[into sin and condemnation].
– 1 Corinthians 10:12
“…be what you should be….”
– 2 Corinthians 13:11
Is your life fruit – agape love?
Christians living by agape love will more easily “reinstate” an offender back into their “affections” and more quickly “reaffirm your love for” the individual. Agape love does that. I want to be agape love! Are you known by your love?
However, don’t throw caution to the wind, as they say. You may throw a monkey wrench into the pistons that move your church forward. The sins of another may put the church through the wringer MirWebster.
A church and we in it, must be wise, not naive. “Reaffirm your love” for the offender, yes. But, Scripture says, “Do not hurry to lay hands on anyone [ordaining and approving someone for ministry or an office in the church, or in reinstating expelled offenders], and thereby share in the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.”
Same goes for families, businesses, neighborhoods – and our country. Be wary to not “share in the sins of others”.
FOR MORE:
There are plenty of sins to go around. And it is so easy to condemn others. But we grieve God when we condemn a sinner. So, what’s a better way to go?
__________
7 The world is passing away,
and with it its lusts
[the shameful pursuits
and ungodly longings];
but the one
who does the will of God
and carries out His purposes
lives forever.
– Verse 7 of 1 John 2:15-17
Our put down, slap down ways Excerpt: Take today’s challenge: Try “loving” again.
“Do not judge and criticize
and condemn [others unfairly
with an attitude of
self-righteous superiority
as though
assuming the office of a judge],
so that
you will not be judged [unfairly].”
– Matthew 7:1
How’s your talkin’? Excerpt:Is your talkin’ seasoned with “gracious and pleasant” words? We read here about it:
Colossians 4:5-6
5 Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of each opportunity [treating it as something precious]. 6 Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you].
Is your life fruit – agape love?
Love and Agape Love in the Greek and in the New Testament
Being friendly, cordial and gracious
Being unselfish, more thoughtful and gracious to others
Should you forgive even though no confession is made?
“Therefore let the one who thinks he stands firm [immune to temptation, being overconfident and self-righteous], take care that he does not fall [into sin and condemnation].”
– 1 Corinthians 10:12
My wild and crazy stallion heart
Taking hate to Holy Heaven, your ways, your views?
Hating is life changing – eternal life changing. Scary thought. Read: 1 John 4:20, Luke 6:27, 1 John 2:9, 1 John 2:11
Are you being warned by the Holy Spirit about being “out”?
About past sins and being forgiven now
Jesus can save your soul for all eternity
Yes, I can – I can stand strong 1 John 2:15-17 Do Not Love the World
15 Do not love the world [of sin that opposes God and His precepts], nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father, but are from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and with it its lusts [the shameful pursuits and ungodly longings]; but the one who does the will of God and carries out His purposes lives forever. – 1 John 2:15-17
The overcoming faith of Christ folllowers
Christ secured our eternal home Our salvation is bigger than most realize.
Being 100% given over to Jesus or, dealing with your unrepentedness.
Got a cracked heart? …the evil heart.
Are you being warned by the Holy Spirit about being “out”? Is God perhaps workin’ to bring you into the fold?
How a tare thinks There are two folds: one for His sheep, and one for the wild and ornery goats
Was your confession accepted by God
Leave a Reply