Wow. How timely is this? In our reading today, Paul himself says he is not one to judge those outside the church... that God will judge them... however, within the church he has no problem. He instructs those in the church to not associate with the sexually immoral, the greedy, the idolater, the slanderer, the drunkard, or the swindler. Hmmm... who's left then? Paul was well aware that none are without sin, but he offers this in order that we might build one another up-- not tear each other down-- and certainly not tear down those outside the faith community. For love to reign in the church, we must have a high level of trust with each other, knowing that we are not out to take advantage of, or hurt one another. At the same time, we must recognize that we each fall and are therefore dependent on the grace of God and the grace of each other. Be kind and gentle with one another. It's really the way to go.
Readings: Ezra 8:21-9:15; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 21:1-2
