December 13 2024
JUSTIN TUCKER | WORSHIP PASTOR
1 Corinthians 5:12-13
“For what business is it of mine to judge outsiders? Don’t you judge those who are inside? God judges outsiders. Remove the evil person from among you.”
One of the biggest challenges we face as believers is navigating how we interact with the world around us. It’s tempting to expect everyone, inside and outside the church, to live by the same standards. But Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, makes an important distinction: we’re not called to hold non-believers to the standards of faith. That’s God’s role, not ours.
Instead, Paul reminds us to focus on accountability within the family of faith. When someone claims to follow Jesus, they’re embracing a way of life that reflects His teachings. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we’re called to encourage, challenge, and even correct one another when necessary, always in love and humility.
But what about those outside the faith? Paul is clear: judging them isn’t our job. Our job is to love them. To extend grace. To be a reflection of Christ’s kindness, which leads people to repentance (Romans 2:4). If we spend more energy pointing fingers than building bridges, we risk alienating the very people God has called us to reach.
So, what does this look like in practice? It means holding your fellow believers accountable, not out of superiority, but out of a desire to help them grow. It means approaching difficult conversations with love, not judgment. And it means showing patience and compassion to those outside the church, trusting that God is working in their lives even when you can’t see it.
Today, ask yourself: Am I more focused on judging others or loving them? Let’s choose to live in a way that reflects Christ, not just inside the church, but in every interaction. After all, love is what opens the door for truth.
“For what business is it of mine to judge outsiders? Don’t you judge those who are inside? God judges outsiders. Remove the evil person from among you.”
One of the biggest challenges we face as believers is navigating how we interact with the world around us. It’s tempting to expect everyone, inside and outside the church, to live by the same standards. But Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, makes an important distinction: we’re not called to hold non-believers to the standards of faith. That’s God’s role, not ours.
Instead, Paul reminds us to focus on accountability within the family of faith. When someone claims to follow Jesus, they’re embracing a way of life that reflects His teachings. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we’re called to encourage, challenge, and even correct one another when necessary, always in love and humility.
But what about those outside the faith? Paul is clear: judging them isn’t our job. Our job is to love them. To extend grace. To be a reflection of Christ’s kindness, which leads people to repentance (Romans 2:4). If we spend more energy pointing fingers than building bridges, we risk alienating the very people God has called us to reach.
So, what does this look like in practice? It means holding your fellow believers accountable, not out of superiority, but out of a desire to help them grow. It means approaching difficult conversations with love, not judgment. And it means showing patience and compassion to those outside the church, trusting that God is working in their lives even when you can’t see it.
Today, ask yourself: Am I more focused on judging others or loving them? Let’s choose to live in a way that reflects Christ, not just inside the church, but in every interaction. After all, love is what opens the door for truth.
Posted in Daily Devos