“But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler-not even to eat with such a one.” 1 Corinthians 5:11
November 15, 2024
There is a renewed effort to cancel relationships over the outcome of the recent presidential election. The idea is to refuse to continue relationships with family or friends if they voted for the President Elect. This is a hefty topic for this limited time and space. But consider this. The apostle Paul instructed a biblically careless church to not associate with certain kinds professing Christians (“so-called brother”). But great emphasis in the New Testament is for believers in Christ to get along and keep relationships reconciled. At the same time, Christians are to take the world as they find it (e.g., immoral, swindlers, drunkards, etc.). Don’t cut yourselves off from non-Christians. But don’t have familiar fellowship with a Christian who is under church discipline. In all this we find no allowance for staying away from relatives or acquaintances because the person for whom they voted is offensive to me. Leave the judgment of unbelievers up to God. Enjoy the coming Thanksgiving wherever it takes you. After all, as Christians, let’s represent Christ in a loving way.
H
“Lord, renew me in knowing how to go about being a peacemaker. Forgive me for purposely avoiding that person in the cereal isle that I wish to keep out of my life.”