The Gentleness of Paul?

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit? – 1 Cor 4:20-21

In today’s church, Paul would be severely admonished for speaking to church members so clearly. They were misbehaving, but to threaten them so today would be completely unacceptable. Still, Paul doesn’t even pretend to coddle them. Neither does He placate them. No, like a father intent on raising well-disciplined children, he orders them to straighten up! Yet, few would deny that Paul clearly loved all those he taught selflessly.

Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Yeshua and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Yeshua is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord. – 1 Cor 5:3-5

Here he is a few verses later insisting that they give one of their members over for Satan to torment! He doesn’t ask them to consider it. He doesn’t suggest it. No, he tells them to get it done.

But I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. – 1 Cor 5:11

Hmmmm. I think if Paul were here, we’d have a lot of empty churches.

What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” – 1 Cor 12-13

Here’s the thing, folks. When we treat the disobedient as brothers and sisters in good standing, we appear to approve of that disobedience. Worse, we imply that disobedience is not an issue. It is no wonder that some of the lost view the professing saved as arrogant hypocrites. We have not kept the division clear enough for them to see one. We need to get our priorities right.

Hearing that Yeshua had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the Law, tested Him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in all the Law?”

Yeshua replied, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two.” – Mat 22:34-40

God first. We must love Him first and foremost, considering Him above all else. It is not wrong to stand up against those who malign His name or His word. He is our God. It is only right that we should be outspoken about the truth He has given us, and insist on it among the brethren. True, some will think us harsh, but I believe Paul would definitely approve.