8.27.8 "How Much do You Care?"

"How Much do You Care?"

Job 23:1-27:23
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:8
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 22:5-6

2 Corinthians 2:4 "Oh, how I hated to write that letter! It almost broke my heart and I tell you honestly that I cried over it. I didn't want to hurt you, but I had to show you how very much I loved you and cared about what was happening to you."

In this second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul references the first letter. If you remember, there were some harsh words in I Corinthians. In today's verse, Paul models what it really means to be devoted to unity.

When it comes to dealing with one another, and discipling one another, there is an awkwardness to it. Here are some possible reactions to seeing someone doing/acting/talking inappropriately:

1. I'm uncomfortable. I'm just going to walk away.
2. I didn't just hear what I thought I heard!? I'm shocked that person would do that. they've offended me.
3. Why doesn't Pastor do something about this individual?
4. How dare they do that! They should know by now that that is wrong! I'm going to "share the truth in love" by telling that person off.
5. I'm going to just ignore this & hope it goes away. I know now I should keep my distance.
6. I need to talk to another friend to make sure I'm not off base in thinking what they're doing is wrong.

There's many more responses, but don't these somewhat represent our initial reactions? Do you realize that none of these are what discipleship is all about?

Discipleship is about love. Yes, it is "bringing into alignment" as we've talked about before. But it's not about bringing into alignment to prove we are "right"! It's bringing into alignment because we care enough about the spiritual and physical health and welfare of the individual.

Proper motivation will give you the appropriate method of encouraging and correcting one another.

There may be times for a strong word like Paul gave, but when it is done in brokenness and humility, for the purpose of restoration, God is glorified.

Allowing someone to continue walking out of alignment with the word is not only dangerous to the individual, it's dangerous to you. It gives you a callous heart, and builds walls of division in the body of Christ. We really need to truly grow in our love for one another.

There used be an old saying. "Care enough to confront" was the mantra. Usually it translated into, "I was offended when you didn't say hi to me last week", then a couple tears and a hug. That's not what this is about. It's about "I notice you guys haven't been to bible study in a while. Is everything ok? Is there anything I can do to help?"

How much do you care? How devoted to unity are you? How comforting it would be to know that the Body of Christ is looking out for one another. Not make sure everyone's "toeing the line", but to know that everyone cares enough to stick it out through tough times and bring each other into the alignment of the Word.

Is it uncomfortable? It can be. But there is nothing more secure than knowing that someone is watching out for you.





Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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