I hear talk from Believers about separating themselves from other Believers. They say things like..."They are toxic!"
They better be the personification of pure evil if one has decided to wash their hands of them, and I sincerely doubt they are if they're a true brother or sister in Christ. Saying things like "they are toxic" to justify your separation from them will not fly with God!
I hear people say things like, "I forgive them but want nothing to do with them" even if they have repented.
What if Jesus said, "Thanks for repenting and I forgive you but I want nothing to do with you"?
According to God's Word we are to strive with everything that is within us to be at peace "with everyone," to be a peace maker and remain cordial.
According to God's Word when is it okay as a Believer to separate ourself from someone?
1) If they are a false Teacher.
2) If they twist God's Word for profit while causing dissention. 1Tim. 6:5,
3) If they are heretical and bring a different doctrine and continue doing this even though they are convicted. Rom. 16:17, Titus 3:10.
4) If they are disloyal to what Jesus Christ taught. 2 John 1:10.
5) If they are a lazy non- working person, who is a busy body/ meddlesome in other people's affairs. 2 Thess. 3:14.
6) If they bear the name of Christian but operate in immorality, greed, idolatry.
7) If they are a railer, abuser, drunkard, slanderous, robber. Have nothing to do with them. 1 Cor. 5:9-11.
8) If they have a form of godliness but their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession.
Avoid all such people turn away from them. 2 Tim. 3:5.
And only after we have done all 3 steps in Mt. 18:15-17 with our Brother or Sister and they still refuse to listen, only then do we consider them as loss. Sadly, many jump to separating without even taking the steps in Matt. 18.
If a brother or sister does repent and we still separate ourself from them, this is wrong and it is a sin!
Sometimes an honest self examination of ourself might be required? Questions to ask one's self, (1) Am I separating myself because I have been toxic and need to repent? (2) Could my pride be keeping me from repenting to those I have come against? (3) Is it easier to run than admit my wrong?
Repent, make things right with your Brother or Sister, or just as you have done to them will be done to you.
So when you are offering your gift at the altar and there you remember that your brother has any grievance against you. Leave your gift at the altar and go. First make peace and be "reconciled" to your Brother, and then come back and present your gift. Mt. 5:23-24.
Please be obedient. Time is drawing near. Make things right with Brothers and Sisters before it is too late and you find yourself at the judgment seat!
