I Corinthians 5:6
“Your boasting is not good. Do you not know a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?”
I’ve seen this mindset. I know some who claim to be believers that are proud of their mindset even though it contradicts God’s Word. They focus on the love side of God while ignoring the commandments laid out in the bible.
This is why it’s important to know “the whole counsel of God”, (Acts 20:27). This was a phrase that Paul used in his farewell address to the Ephesians. What it means is that a pastor is to teach the entire bible, not only the parts that appeal to him.
When I was three years into the faith I was invited to Calvary Chapel. Pastor Chuck would quote this verse from Paul as describing Calvary’s teaching philosophy. I believe it and rejoice in God’s Word.
While Jesus made a big deal about loving one another, that love is to be in the context of the bible. The Corinthians were boasting about how loving they were being. However, the person in question was living outside of God’s commandments.
Our culture takes many of the same stands. We aren’t to have attitudes that go against the bible. Even if they are unpopular. Christians are being persecuted for this reason.
We are to stand with God’s Word. However, we do need to be wise. Proverbs 26:17 says, “Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.” Not all fights are our own. If we are asked directly, then share the truth. That is unless they are a fool seeking to get us in trouble. It would be like casting pearls before swine. They aren’t looking for the truth, but to get us in trouble and to make themselves look good.
In the church we are to follow God’s Word and to call out those in disobedience. It’s cleansing. It’s iron sharpening iron. However we are to do so in gentleness Galatians 6:1 says, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” This is being poor in spirit as we are all weak and could be tempted ourselves.
Lord, thank You for Your truth and wisdom. Help us to know to take the stands necessary, but to not fall prey to fools.