S. 1 Corinthians 5:11 “But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.”
O. Paul differentiates between a believer’s association with immoral people who are not believers and immoral people who call themselves believers. He places a very high value on maintaining purity in the church.
Christians have a duty to judge those insider the church. In this case, they were to spiritually discipline the man who was sexually immoral (see context of chapter 5). This is just one phase of discipline. The complete process involves repentance, forgiveness and restoration (2. Cor. 2).
This particular situation has a broad application with others in the church who are sexually immoral.
A. I pray that I will always show love and grace at times when having to make such difficult judgments; yet that I will be faithful to the Lord and to His word.
P. Thank you Father for this word. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to always show love and grace in times when I must also make judgments.
