Helping Hands by winjohn from Freeimages.com

We must act in love towards all people¹, yet we must also submit to truth².

I fear that sometimes we go too far under the umbrella of love.  The Bible teaches that there should be some boundaries on our love for others.  Put simply–there is a difference in loving and supporting.  Often this duty of love is used as a reason for supporting some sinful practice.

2nd and 3rd John demonstrate there must be boundaries to our love.  John emphasizes loving others in his gospel and epistles³.  John reminds his readers that they are to love one another.  They are to walk according to His commandments in love.

To one group In 3 John, he compliments the Christians who have “supported people like these” who are “fellow workers of the truth” (v. 6).  He is speaking about them financially supporting Christian preachers and sending them on their journeys.  These workers have “testified to [their] love” (v. 5-6).

Yet, in 2 John 10 to another group, John says, “if anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.”  He earlier stated, “everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God” (v. 9).

Notice the lesson we learn when we compare John’s writings.  Some folks are to be supported and financially assisted, while others are not to be greeted as brothers, invited into our homes, and supported financially.  What makes the difference?  Whether they abide in the teachings of Christ or not!  Love for others does not demand we support wrongdoing!  Love demands we do what is in the best interest of others, are kind to them, and offer God’s love and word to them.

This principle can be difficult to apply, but we must apply it in the church today.  I fear it is becoming a neglected principle as tolerance as become so prominent.

We must apply this truth as we deal with sexual sin of others.  If a couple is living together in open rebellion to God’s truth, we must love them, but not support them in this behavior.  If a member is openly gay, we must love him, but not support him.  If a marriage is not acceptable in God’s sight, we must not support it, under the pretense of love.  Support may not only be in financial assistance, but it can be in our attendance, approval, fellowship, and words.

We must apply this truth in regard to the teaching of others.  This is the issue in 2nd and 3rd John.  As individuals and churches we must not support by our words or money a missionary, group, or organization that teaches false doctrine.  They may be doing good work, but if they do not abide in Christ we cannot support them.

There are lots of ways this principle can be applied.  Many times its application is difficult, especially when it involves our own family members.  We often want to help others, and we think that it will be an opportunity to win them back to Christ.  But we must be careful, lest we take part in their wicked works.  I believe John is also writing and speaking primarily about Christians.  So we must consider whether the person is a brother or sister in Christ.  Yet, this principle certainly has broader application than just within the church.

I know this is often a tough issue for me and our church family.  Do you think we are struggling to follow this principle today in the church and in our families?  

————————–

References

1 – Mat. 5:43-48, Rom. 13:8

2 – John 8:32, 2 John 3-6

3 – John 13:34-35, 14:15,21-24; 1 John 3:11-18; 4:8-11