Sound In Love

As I was studying this week during sermon preparation, I came across this quote by D. L. Moody in the Enduring Word Commentary by pastor David Guzik:  “The church has become very jealous about men being unsound in the faith. If a man becomes unsound in the faith, they draw their ecclesiastical swords and cut at him. But he may be ever so unsound in love, and they don’t say anything.”  In this context jealousy means to be suspicious with fearful unease.  Now I do not know if this is an accurate portrayal of the church as much as people with whom D. L. Moody was aware.  I myself am exceedingly hesitant to suggest the behaviour of some is indicative of all.  But it is a sobering consideration, that anyone in the church would dismiss the need to love one another in an effort to uphold the truth.

In Paul's parting words to the elders of the church of Ephesus he said in Acts 20:28-32, "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. ²⁹ For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.³⁰ Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. ³¹ Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. ³² So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified."  Paul realised the church could be undermined from within as well as attacked from outside.  There were two groups identified:  men like savage wolves who would come in among them and also from the group he addressed would men rise up, speak perverse things and attempt to draw disciples away from Christ and to themselves.

It is fitting therefore for elders, pastors and congregants within the church to be aware of the potential they themselves could be one who makes a series of choices to depart from faithfully following Jesus Christ and the word of His grace.  It is love of God and others that is to motivate Christians to address divisive behaviour and heretical doctrine in the church while choosing to walk in wisdom, love and grace towards all.  The one "unsound in the faith" is not beyond hope or help, for the God who saves souls can also restore them.  Jesus told Peter to put his sword back in his sheath when he lopped off the ear of Malchus, and we ought to wield the sword of the Spirit with gentleness with an aim to restore.  Galatians 6:1 says, "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted."

Being unsound in the faith has devastating consequences, and being unsound in love even more so.  If we cease to walk in love, we turn aside from walking as a disciple of Jesus should.  Jesus said in John 13:34-35, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."  By the grace of God may we be sound in love and faith as we watchfully shepherd the church of God purchased with His own blood.  In obedience to the Father Jesus shed His blood to purchase us unto Himself, and a church bought out of love can be guarded lovingly too.