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Immorality Rebuked

9 I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. - 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11 But now I am writing you that 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.

12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”

 

In light of what is happening in today's world, I found this Scripture most challenging, especially as Paul charges that it is the Christian's responsibility to judge the brothers and sisters inside the fellowship of the church. My first reaction was (like the Cookie Jar Game/Song), “WHO ME?” and the answer was, “YES, YOU!”

Wait a minute, didn't Jesus say in Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge, or you, too, will be judged” ? That is our excuse. But Jesus qualifies it with the next verse 2 “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

So much care must be taken here. Why would Paul tell us to judge our fellow Christians? His concern was the spiritual health of the church. We are all sinners, but what we were has been forgiven and what we are now must be maintained through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Are we to go looking for issues in the lives of our brothers and sisters? No, but if we become aware of a behavior or situation that results in dishonoring God, Paul says that we must take action. First, let's take a good look at ourselves. Are we guilty of that sin? Pray, ask God’s forgiveness and then pray for the other involved person/s, asking God to make them aware that by so doing they are not only hurting themselves and others, the reputation of the church, but God's heart as well. Apply God's Word to actions, not people's hearts, for only God knows our hearts. We are looking at behavior, not motives.

If it is possible, get to know the other person on a more personal level. Perhaps we will see the issue more clearly and be able to relate with more kindness and understanding. Sharing our own issues often can establish a relationship that is not possible in any other way. If none of this is working, it is wise to seek the advice of the pastor, not divulging the name of the person/s, just the situation. Our purpose is to restore, not to shame or condemn. It may be something as simple as gossiping, which though seemingly harmless can cause very serious problems...or something even more serious. In any case, it is our responsibility to “see something, say something,” with the goal of restoration, rather than condemnation.

 

PRAYER: Our heavenly Father, sometimes it is not easy to understand or to obey Your Word. We thank you for the gift of Your Holy Spirit and pray that He will guide us in this charge. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.

 

Sarah (Sally) L. Messmer

star19mess@gmail.com

 

Prayer Request: That we who attend Living Lord Lutheran will show daily by our actions that we are a spiritually healthy church, thereby pleasing God.