II Thessalonians 3:6
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.”
This could have been an adaptation of what a parent would say to a child. One common phrase is “Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are.” The apostle Paul is saying something similar. He’s telling us to avoid those who live a life contrary to the faith.
The key point is that it’s a brother. Someone who claims to be a Christian, but whose life doesn’t align that way. One concern is that this person would have a corrupting influence. The unruly habits might be adopted by others. This is supported in I Corinthians 5:6,7, “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. Get rid of the old yeast, that you may be a new unleavened batch.”
The other reason that Paul gives to avoid these is to apply discipline. Sticking with I Corinthians 5, Paul speaks of removing one from the group. The language is intense. “I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” This verse is stronger than today’s passage, but in the same topic.
We have to be careful that our attitude is right. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.” We shouldn’t be the least bit judgmental, understanding that we too can be easily tempted.
One last point is that this doesn’t apply to our relationships with unbelievers. Paul again addresses also in I Corinthians 5, “I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world”, (9,10).
Lord, give us wisdom as to whom we are to associate with. Help us also to be merciful and gracious.