“Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.”
We are an accepting people, to a point. We being believers. We certainly can point to Jesus as the example of loving, kind acceptance. Here is a bit of clarification that seems necessary these days. There was a saying that ran big in the church 30 years ago that fell into disfavor, “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” It was said that this actually made people feel unloved by believers because you could not separate what was designated as sin from the person. Thankfully that is not true for Jesus. His entire journey was designed to separate the sinner from the sin, to free us from the grip and penalty of our sin. Solomon does not encourage us to accept or ignore sin or evil behavior (foolish). Ignoring it will embolden that behavior and eventually normalize it. I found this quote, “Jesus didn’t eat with sinners and tax collectors because He wanted to appear inclusive,tolerant, and accepting. He ate with them to see changed and fruitful life, to die to self and live for Him. His call is transformation of life not affirmation of identity.” This is not a challenge to judge, criticize, condemn or try and change someone else. It’s to love. Love enough to not ignore or accept that which will destroy another. Today model kingdom living and, when the privilege is earned, speak His truth. #BeTheEdge
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 NIV
