SCRIPTURE: 2 Thessalonians 3
“Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.” (2 Thessalonians 3:14)
Paul is concerned about lazy Jesus followers, and warns the church about them.
But Paul is not advocating shunning them ignoring, making them feel unloved.
The word translated ‘associate’ means to be mixed up with, to join with.
Paul is saying do not join sinners in their sin, do not let them think they are OK.
At the same time, let them know they are loved, let them know they still belong.
“Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.” (2 Thessalonians 3:15)
We do not need to shun believers who are living questionable lives, we still need to love them.
At the same time we should have open honest conversation together, also willing to hear them out.
The goal is not to shame them, but to help them “turn about” and reconsider their lives (literal meaning).
Can you think of people or situations where these loving conversations are needed?
The challenge is that most people want you to affirm them to show that you love them.
We need the Holy Spirit’s help to handle sin with grace, like Jesus!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us for not treating others as brothers, but as enemies. But help us to stay true to You and our beliefs AND overflow with grace, truth and love in a way that helps us all “turn about” in repentance.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observation/Application
Prayer.
Pray for the spread of the gospel.
Pray for the people.
Love and persevere.
Be a living example and don’t become like those who do not live the Word.
Challenge them.
Be a living light for them. Engage with them so that they too will live for Jesus. Stay the Way, Never tire of doing the Lord’s work. In all things, give Him at the glory and praise. He enables. He gives the increase.
Just do the service/the work.
In His name.
GodPower.
SpiritDriven.
Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou has sought, so let me seek
Thine erring children lost and lone.
O lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wandering and the wavering feet;
O feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.
O strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.
O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.