“It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.” v.12 (NLT)
This is a difficult passage to read not just be cause it talks about sexual sin, but because it points out how we are to deal with those that claim to be Christ-Followers but continue to live in sin. Sin is serious and we can’t avoid it or it will run wild through our lives and if it’s not addressed it will run wild in our church causing our church to lose its witness in the community.
This is challenging because we want to be accepting of all people, and let’s be honest, confronting someone of sin is difficult. However, it may be the very thing that God uses to convict and correct their behavior and in the process grow you to greater maturity. Remember, the goal is always to point people to Jesus and to challenge believers to become more like Him. Before you look outside at others, make sure you have looked inside at yourself. If you are struggling in a sin talk to someone who can listen to you, pray for you, encourage you, challenge you and hold you accountable. In this, is the authentic community that Jesus Rescued!
Today, what do you need to confess and who do you need to challenge?
Dan Gould 