1 Corinthians 5:9-12

I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.  In no way did I mean the immoral people of this world, or the greedy and swindlers and idolaters, since you would then have to go out of the world.  But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls himself a Christian who is sexually immoral, or greedy, or an idolater, or verbally abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person.  For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Are you not to judge those inside?

Today’s truth is incredibly difficult to read, and to live out. Please pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you engage today’s verse. As believers, we have the responsibility to openly address one another regarding how we live, and this should be done in love. Paul uses strong language and refers to “anyone who calls himself a Christian”, indicating that their salvation experience has taken place in their own mind. Yet we are continuously experiencing the grace of God in our lives as we confront and struggle with the sinful patterns of this world. There is a difference between that, and simply choosing not to deal with a sinful pattern, or believing the lie that the sinful pattern is not hurting anyone. Sin offers death, Christ offers life. Go, and let the Holy Spirit lead you as you love one another in Christ Jesus.