Just leave them alone?

When is the best choice to just ‘leave it alone,’ and when is it time to ‘speak the truth in love?’  When we see another choosing a pathway that we know is wrong, that offends God, or that will eventually bring pain, is it offensive to ‘judge,’ to point to the way of life?  I often struggle to find the best way to love the world in which I walk.  Jesus teaches us the importance of seeing the ‘person,’ not just his behavior. Paul counsels us to accept one another. But, does that mean we never say a word that instructs or rebukes?

On a visit to my son’s coffee shop last week, I met several homeless individuals who come in for a cup of coffee or a handout regularly.  Ragged clothing, matted hair, and the pungent body odor that floats around them makes them a presence to be reckoned with. To his credit, Sean loves these men as much as he can.  One was wearing some shoes Sean purchased for him last month. Each one gets a cup of coffee. But, they don’t enjoy the community of the shop. it was clear that their lingering presence was not desired by the others – and who can blame them for wanting to enjoy their coffee without the smell or obnoxious behavior?  Yes, I know that these poor souls are where they are because of mental health issues and/or addictions and my comments are not without compassion. But, when is it right to just  leave them alone and when it is right to intervene in ways that would allow them to enjoy real affection and a healthier life?

Their plight is a kind of parable for me when thinking of people whose lives are broken by sin, whose drag around the stench of hatred, who are slaves of their appetites, who find themselves alone too often.  Every interaction we have must begin with genuine acceptance that wordlessly announces:  “You matter to me because you are a person.”   Some would suggest that acceptance, which is the Lord’s command, should be followed with ‘accommodation.’  We should not only accept them, we should affirm their choices, make them feel good about who and what they are.  Really?  Can we actually say to the sinner:   “You are fine, just as you are.”  Is that the most loving response or even the one the Lord would desire?

Jesus told us not to judge, but He did not take away our responsibility for one another.  His full counsel is “First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”   

Jude teaches us that a one-size-fits-all approach misses the will of God. "Build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives." (Jude 20-23, NLT)   The ONE thing that the Word does not teach us to do is to disengage or step away! 

Keep your own relationship with Christ fresh!  We encourage each other, pray real intimate prayers, and remember that we are all saved by merciful grace.  The sure knowledge that our lives are hidden in Christ is the core that keeps us true.  Nothing speaks more powerfully than a rich, current, and deep love of God.  It makes us shine.

For those still captives of sin Jude shows us multiple responses. Some need mercy, a genuine compassion that sees where life Is beyond their control, where they are captives of their experience, their past, or their incomplete understanding.  Others need rescue!  We have to stage an intervention.  Risking offense, we tell them the truth about the way they live and their ultimate end, judged by God.  Jude says it’s like reaching right into the fire and pulling the stick out before it’s burned. What an image.  And, for such a person, we need a healthy fear of the power of temptation so we don’t get drawn into their disobedience.

Taking the Gospel into our world is no easy calling. It requires the insight and wisdom of the Spirit, which is given to us all.  I hope you agree that real love never just leaves others alone, out of some mistaken sense of privacy.  My prayer – “Lord, keep us in your love and let us be people of healing, Truth, and light. Amen.”

Here’s the word from the Word. "But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life! Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven. And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating— to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time." (Jude 20-25, The Message)

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Make Me A Blessing

Out in the highways and byways of life

Many are weary and sad.

Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,

Making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing!

Out of my life, may Jesus shine.

Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.

Make me a blessing to someone today.

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love;

Tell of His pow'r to forgive.

Others will trust Him if only you prove,

True ev’ry moment you live.

Give as 'twas given to you in your need.

Love as the Master loved you.

Be to the helpless a helper, indeed.

Unto your mission be true.

George Schuller

Ira Wilson