Scripture reading: I Corinthians 5:1–13

Tough Love

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (I Corinthians 15:33)

 

How well do you know your Bible? Most of us are familiar with those Scriptures that urge us to love one another, even our enemies. We know that we are supposed to do good to those who are evil, and turn the other cheek when we are mistreated. But are you also familiar with those verses that urge us to turn away and separate ourselves from persons who claim to be followers of Christ, yet live in wilful and habitual sin? Consider the following:

,. You must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. (I Cor. 5:11)

,. I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. (Rom. 16:17)

,. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. (II Thess. 3:6)

,. If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. (II Thess. 3:14–15)

,. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. (Titus 3:10)

,. But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. (II Tim. 3:1–5)

Jesus was a friend of tax collectors and sinners (Luke 7:34), but was an enemy to hypocrites (Matthew 23). Those who did not practice what they preached incurred his passionate displeasure. We are called to imitate his example. When we neglect these clear commands, we risk compromising the very truth of the Gospel and jeopardizing the advancement of the Kingdom in the world.

 

 

 

In whatever profession you are engaged, you must be singular, or be damned!

The way to hell has nothing singular in it; but the way to heaven is singularity all over. . . .

It is far better to stand alone, than to fall into the pit.—John Wesley

 

 

point to ponder • “Tough love” is difficult, especially in a world where Christians are called to be in the world but not of the world.

 

prayer focus • Are you confused about how to respond to certain relation- ships you have that may be unhealthy? When we ask him, God promises to pro- vide wisdom.