Who is Wise?

A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

Proverbs 15:1 (CSB)

This past week the media honed in on a story about a particular so-called power couple and their courage in knocking down the religious establishment.

Actually, there were people representing several groups that were involved, but not all of them were heard.

Let me explain.

The couple have professed to be Christ followers for many years. They are well liked and successful.

Recently, they took a stand that is not in keeping with the true Biblical world view.

The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,

observing the wicked and the good.

Proverbs 15:3 (CSB)

In response, a second group of people, also claiming to be Christ followers, spoke up against the power couple, letting them know that boycotts loomed for the products they sold. There were many loud, angry, and defensive voices.

The third group was of course the press. These folks rarely claim to profess a Biblical worldview. Their work testifies to their belief system.

And then there is the fourth group. True followers of the Lord Jesus who love Him and want to obey Him in their lives. True Christ followers know that God’s moral law is always relevant, and they choose to live by it.

They realize they are not sinless.

Devoted followers of Christ realize that they have no power to judge or condemn. They have a responsibility to tell the truth and to share the Gospel as the Spirit leads them to.

Truly born-again believers know that God’s moral law is only for Christians.

However, the Gospel is available for anyone and everyone who chooses it. The Bible tells us this in John 3:16-17:

For God so loved the world,

that He gave His only Son,

that whoever believes in Him

would not perish

but have everlasting life.

For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world,

but that the world through Him might be saved.

Until lost people accept this beautiful display of grace, they are not expected to believe or abide by God’s moral law. They have made a different choice.

Here is where the problem lies.

The power couple has made a decision by their actions and words, to ignore God’s moral law.

To make that worse, they have spoken out against all believers who have voiced their rightful opinion about their stand. The problem is that the couple is dishonoring God.

“Against You and You alone have I sinned…” Psalm 51:4

The third group is keeping the whole story going. Try to follow only journalists who seem to stick to truthful, informative and as often as possible, uplifting news.

Bright eyes cheer the heart; good news strengthens the bones.

Proverbs 15:30 (CSB)

I know nothing about a fifth group involved in the story. The whole thing got started because of their professional involvement with the couple, but they have been quiet.

Everyone involved are human beings whom God created and loves, all desperately needing God’s grace for their sinful nature.

You and I have a sin nature, too. That nature can only be covered by the blood of Christ when we give Him our hearts, fully and completely. That means we accept His grace, not by our merit, and repent and turn from what God calls sin (although, until we are in heaven, we will struggle with sin).

My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one. He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.

1 John 2:1 & 2 (CSB)

True believers also have an obligation to other true believers. Let’s look at what that obligation is and how it is a proof of salvation.

The one who says he is in the light but hates his brother or sister 

is in the darkness until now. 

The one who loves his brother or sister remains in the light,  

1 John 2:9-10 (CSB)

Go back up to the second line of that verse. What did John mean by, “until now.”?

He meant that before Jesus came to Earth and rose again, the life-giving Light of the Holy Spirit had not been given to hearts. Now it has, allowing us to discern truth from lies.

The couple is not displaying Christ while they bring dishonor to the Church.

They are not loving other believers with their words and actions. They are vilifying innocent believers who have not spoken sinfully against anyone.

Do you see the hypocrisy?

They are in truth, inviting the Christless world to offend their brothers and sisters.

They are inviting the world to offend Jesus.

The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit.

Proverbs 15:3 (CSB)

A Godly stand does not necessarily mean that we should be vociferous boycotters. We should never try to harm anyone monetarily, in gossip, in hateful speech or in any other way.

Instead-

Be unshakeable and courageous.

Be humble and strong.

Be wise and loving.

Be filled with the Spirit of God.

Here are links to 1 John and our study in Proverbs 15.

Share the Gospel in your world.

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

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