Teach me to teach...Part VI

A reproof, a rebuke or an exhortation to bigger and more moral things is not necessarily as bad as it seems, at least to the innocent or not so innocent bystander. If these things are done in love, with a velvet boxing glove, then peace and love can be obtained. If one carries a big stick and speaks softly, more results are really attainable. 2 Tim 4:2, Titus 1:13, and Titus 2:15 are brilliant affirmations about the kindness of being tough and doing so in a way that is kind. I am, at the same time, admonished not to follow those who will not follow God. (Titus 3:7, 10,11) Does this mean “Don’t speak to them”? I hardly think so. What it means is that do not be linked to these people. Do not socialize, do not develop an intimate relationship with, and any of the other connotations of this. I am instructed to treat people with kindness, that doesn’t mean I have to be linked to them. I have a friend that has chosen to follow a way that is unacceptable to Christ, the way of legalism. (Gal 2 and 3) She and her husband have chosen this way after many discussions with the elders of the church and have decided that the best way to worship God is to follow Jewish precepts while embracing Christ. So be it. They are happy in this. But I cannot follow them. I cannot be accepting of what they believe, nor can I give them indications that I am willing to believe they are going in the right direction. Either I am for Him and what His son said, or I am against Him. And God exhorts me not to add anything to His word, in Revelations 22:19. At the same time, I am told to be compassionate and kind and holy in Jude 22.