Be Gracious and Let Jesus Do the Work

The church exists for helping everyone find and follow Jesus.

One of the responsibilities of the church is the discipleship of believers.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:Ephesians 4:11-12

This means welcoming new, and sometimes immature, Christians into the body of Christ for the purpose of helping them grow and mature in the faith.

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.Romans 15:7

Discipleship is a community project that requires grace and patience.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.James 3:17

We must welcome weak believers without turning every difference into an argument.

Discipleship creates unity, an argumentative spirit fosters strife.

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.Ephesians 4:15-16

Outright sin cannot be tolerated within the body of Christ.

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.1 Corinthians 10:21

Disunity, gossip, pride, and comparison also cannot be tolerated within the body of Christ.

A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.Proverbs 16:28

Differences in practice on non‑essential matters cannot cause division.

We can agree to disagree on matters that aren’t clearly spelled out in Scripture.

With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.Ephesians 4:2-3

We cross the line into sinful territory when we began to judge or condemn others for these issues.

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?James 4:11-12

We must refuse the temptation to measure other believers by our personal standards instead of God’s Word.

Adding rules to what God has already written, despite how well-intentioned it may be, simply makes us Pharisees.

For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.Matthew 23:4

God’s acceptance of a believer is grounded in Jesus’ righteousness, not in their position on gray areas.

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.Ephesians 1:6

We can love, encourage and advise others, but at the end of the day, we must mind our own business.

Human judgment can only see externals, but Jesus sees the heart.

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.1 Samuel 16:7

This is not a dismissal of the externals but a challenge to keep a good testimony.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.Matthew 5:16

Our security and perseverance rest on God’s power, not on our perfect handling of every situation.

God’s continued work of grace and sanctification in the lives of others should give us hope and confidence.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Be gracious in your life and ministry for believers who are less mature in the faith without trying to “fix” them in every area.

Don’t get roped into gossip or slander. Ever. This is a trap of the enemy that destroys churches.

Don’t forget the fact that someone was gracious and patient with you. Extend that to someone else.

Anchor your confidence in your own walk with God, in the growth of others, and in God’s power to make His people stand.