Grace Instead of Judgment

We know Jesus, but not everyone does. Because Jesus has transformed our lives, we know what is right and how to live our lives in a Christ-honoring way. But not everyone does. So how should we interact with people who don’t know Jesus and don’t live in ways that honor Him? In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul tells us not to judge those outside the church. While we are called to lovingly hold our brothers and sisters in Christ accountable and to gently confront each other about sin, those expectations do not apply to people outside of the church. It doesn’t make sense for us to expect non-Christians to act like Christians. And we can’t bring them to Christ by telling them to follow a list of rules. Instead, we are called to present the gospel to them with grace and love. We can gently show them the good news that Jesus has died on the cross and has risen from the dead to beat sin and death. We can show them God cares about them no matter what mistakes they have made. We can show everyone that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and we all need Him to live eternally, free from sin (John 3:16; 14:6). We know the truth about God and His love and grace, and we can show others all about who He is through our words and actions. We can spread His light when we focus on His incredible love and grace. • Bethany Acker • Why is Jesus the only One who can save us from sin? • How can being loving and gracious show others who Jesus is? • Apart from Jesus, is it possible to not choose sin? What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 1 Corinthians 5:12 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Matthew 7:1-5; 1 Corinthians 5:12-13