There are No Jews, no Greeks, etc. Part 15

In 2 Corinthians 7:8, I also need to realize my brethren need tough love, according to God’s purpose. I may have to use harsh words about how they are conducting themselves, but if my words are spoken in truth and love, that is demonstrating my love in God for them. It puts my love on the line, and I am more than just a member of the church, more than someone that sits on the pew, more than a conqueror, but a lover of God, desirous to spread that love and righteousness in Him. Gal 5:10,12 also speaks of this, to stick and apply what God says and to portray my belief in God in truth and love, rather than to obey or be swayed by what others may say. If I know what is right, I should do that thing, not because it is right but because it is what God wants me to do. And I should test what others tell me with what is written in God’s word. Above all, I must accept that God is a spirit, and that the Bible in and of itself are just words until I apply them with His spirit, and that is why God sent not only His son, but the Holy Spirit. One so that I would know how to walk among my brethren and others the other so that I could apply what I learn from Christ. Gal 6:1 says how I should treat those who are having spiritual difficulties, bearing their burdens, approaching them with love, not resentment, not judgment, not bitterness. Because there but for the grace of God walk I. The only one of us who is without sin is Christ. We all have to live and we all have to walk through the portal of death. That’s why God through Paul says, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14) and again in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, “Now we command you, brethren, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us; for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you. Not because we have not power but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not al all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that with quietness they work and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy but as a brother.” How we treat one another demonstrates our love. Do we treat them with indifference of just going to church with them or do we speak to them with the truth and with love? Do I really love my brethren enough to challenge them when they stray (and vice versa), to hold them when they hurt, to really lead them in God’s word? Paul’s words are not a suggestion to me, but a command to me. I cannot put up with disorderly conduct, disorderly lives, lives where there are those living off others like leaches. What would that demonstrate to those who are not Christians but see there are those who use and abuse others and still call themselves His followers. No, it is a command that while I am to love them, I am to conduct myself so that I can live a life approved of as God’s workman. I actually show more love by remaining true to God and faith in Him and that what He speaks is true.