“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
2 Timothy 4:2 NIV
If we are encouraged by pointing out the sins of unbelievers who cannot do any better, then we are appealing to our own carnal nature trying to exalt ourselves. This used to be called holier-than-thou preaching.
Our spiritual battle is not won by declaring a sinner a sinner, but by living and sharing a life that is worthy, not to make sinners feel guilty, but rather to show that there is One Who knew no sin and bore our sin. Faith in him frees us from guilt and shame no matter what we’ve done. Condemnation of the sinner even by a saved sinner is above the believer’s pay grade. Jesus, himself came not to condemn, but save (John 3:17). Christ asks us to follow his lead.
Believers are the ones who need rebuked and exhorted as well as encouraged. After all, the epistles were written to Christians. The Church needs rebuke for continuing to think like the world, exhortation to love God and our fellow man, and encouragement that God does not see our unrighteousness, but the righteousness of God.
Our messages to both believers and nonbelievers should be seasoned with love (1 Corinthians 13: 1-3).
“(Love) does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV
It bears repeating. The believer is to reflect Christ who says through is teachings and exemplified while on Earth that the greatest and underlying theme of the commandments is to love God with every fiber of our being and to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22: 36-40). He also told his disciples that love is how the world would recognize our identity with Christ (John 13: 34-35).
Love does not keep records of wrongs. Love does not dishonor others. Love does not pat itself on the back by condemning others therefore exalting self because it doesn’t do such-and-such like “they” do. Romans 12 shares behaviors activated by a love that is sincere. Look it up. See where you need God’s help and guidance (Philippians 2:12).
Categories: Christianity Myths Love
Douglas Knight
I have the rich life full of a sinner wounded by misunderstanding and punishment but blessed by mercy and forgiveness.
Knight Writer 