lead with love

2 Thessalonians 3: 14-15

 

¹⁴If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. ¹⁵Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

 

Do not lose the love for your brother….or sister! We are here for each other. We are here to support, encourage, and help each other. There will always be people who stray. We are commanded to love each other as we love ourselves. That means all others, not some, not just those we like, but all of them. When we read this passage, some might take it as license to turn their back on those who stumble. Do not lose sight of the intention Paul had behind the exclusion, it was to be used as a way to humble the person in question. It was to be temporary, not permanent. Do not regard him as an enemy….Here is where many fall short. We get so zealous in our desire to bring people to the Lord, we get so caught up in trying to “save their soul” that we push so hard that we end up pushing the people away. We should warn them as a brother. Notice it says do not treat them as an enemy. We come together in love, we persevere in love. We heal each others wounds with love. Lead with love.

 

Peace,

Brian