Greeting
Grace and peace to you, beloved in Christ Jesus our Lord, who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. I thank God always for your faith, for your endurance in trials, and for your zeal to hold fast to the truth of the gospel. Yet I also write with a burden, for I hear of many among the household of faith who have taken up the manner of the world in their speech and dealings with one another.
Beloved, this ought not be so. For the Spirit has not been given that we may tear one another down, but that we might build one another up in love. As it is written: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).
Therefore I write to you concerning these matters, that you may discern the difference between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, and that you may walk worthy of the Lord in all things.
Concerning Doctrinal Hostility
There are some who say:
“If you do not repent and stop promoting that teaching, you are not a Christian. Stop leading people astray.”
But who has appointed man as judge over the souls of his brethren? It is good to correct error, yet correction without gentleness becomes condemnation. The servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but kind, patient, and able to teach (2 Timothy 2:24).
Beloved, let your correction be clothed in humility. Invite your brother to search the Scriptures with you, not to cast him out with a word of wrath. For we all see in part and know in part, but the Lord knows those who are His.
Concerning Shame-Based Correction
Others speak in this manner:
“I cannot believe you call yourself a believer and live like that. Get your life in order or stop pretending.”
This is the voice of the Pharisee, who prays, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men.” Such words crush the weak but do not heal. Christ did not come to break the bruised reed, but to strengthen it. He calls the weary and heavy laden to Himself, that they may find rest (Matthew 11:28).
Therefore speak not with words of shame, but with words of encouragement. Say to the one stumbling, “Let us walk together in the grace of God.” For you also are in need of grace daily.
Concerning Politics Over the Gospel
Still others declare:
“Christians do not vote for those policies. Whoever supports them betrays the faith.”
Beloved, our citizenship is in heaven, from which we await the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20). The gospel is not bound to the kingdoms of men. If we tie the faith to earthly parties, do we not diminish Christ?
Be steadfast in remembering this: Christ and Him crucified is the message we proclaim, not the banners of men. Let the gospel be your rallying cry, and unity in Christ your bond of peace.
Concerning Exclusion Without Love
Some speak thus:
“Our church does not welcome people who promote that lifestyle. Leave if you will not repent.”
Indeed, we are called to holiness, to flee sin and pursue righteousness. Yet Jesus Himself ate with sinners and tax collectors, not to affirm their sin, but to call them to repentance. To shut the door without extending a hand is to misrepresent the heart of Christ.
Welcome the sinner to hear the Word, but do not compromise truth. Let love and holiness walk together. Correct with clarity, but also with compassion.
Concerning Condemnation of Institutions and People
Others cry out:
“This politician, this school, this media is corrupt and evil. They must be exposed and stopped.”
Yes, the world lies in darkness, but the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:20). It is written: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions” (1 Timothy 2:1–2).
Do not waste your breath in constant outrage. Bend your knees in prayer for those who govern, that the church may lead quiet and godly lives.
Concerning Sarcasm and Mockery
Some mock, saying:
“Nice sermon — all sound and fury. Is that what you call faith? Grow up.”
Mockery is not fitting for saints. Our words are meant to give life, not death. As Paul wrote, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6).
If you must correct, do so in a way that builds up. Ridicule tears down the body, but encouragement strengthens it.
Concerning Threats and Manipulation
There are some who threaten, saying:
“If you keep teaching this, you will be removed. We will not have wolves among us.”
Church discipline is indeed commanded in Scripture, but it must be carried out according to the order given by the Lord (Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 5). Social media threats are not the way of Christ.
If you have a grievance, go first to your brother privately. If he does not listen, then involve the church in due process. Let not manipulation or intimidation rule among the saints.
Concerning Defensive Hostility
Some, when corrected, lash out:
“Do not lecture me about grace! You know nothing of my church or my struggles.”
This reveals a heart not yet healed. Beloved, a soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1). Learn first to listen. Hear the heart of the one speaking. Do not be quick to take offense, but be quick to seek understanding.
Concerning Fear and Guilt Manipulation
Others speak words such as:
“How many souls will be lost because of your compromise? Think of eternity!”
This may sound spiritual, but it is rooted in fear. Yet perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
We serve by truth, not by fear. Let your exhortations be seasoned with hope and with the promises of God, not with manipulation.
Concerning Social Shunning
Finally, there are those who say:
“I will unfollow and block anyone who supports this. I will not associate with compromise.”
It is true that Scripture warns us to avoid false teachers (Romans 16:17). Yet blocking and shunning over every disagreement divides the body unnecessarily. For one believes he may eat anything, while another eats only vegetables; let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, for God has welcomed him (Romans 14:2–3).
Bear with one another in love, forgiving each other as the Lord has forgiven you. Do not be quick to cut off fellowship, but seek peace and pursue it.
Final Exhortation
Beloved, in all these things let us remember the words of the apostle: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:25–26).
If your brother or sister is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore them in a spirit of gentleness, keeping watch on yourself lest you too be tempted (Galatians 6:1).
Therefore, let your speech be filled with grace, your corrections tempered with patience, and your hearts clothed in humility. Walk not as the world walks, in bitterness and strife, but as children of light, reflecting the love of Christ in all you say and do.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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