Navigating Tough Conversations as a Christian
As Christians, we often face difficult moral dilemmas: Should we attend a same-sex wedding? Should we let an unmarried couple stay in our home? Should we use preferred pronouns? These questions are not always easy to answer, and the Bible gives us moral clarity but requires wisdom in application.
Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 5, where he draws a key distinction: “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?” (v.12). Our role is not to enforce Christian values on unbelievers but to uphold God’s standards within the church. This means we should speak truth with love while maintaining personal integrity.
How Do We Approach These Conversations?
1️⃣ Be Rooted in Scripture – Before making decisions, seek biblical guidance rather than just going with emotions or cultural expectations. If God calls something sin, we cannot affirm it.
2️⃣ Lead with Grace, Not Condemnation – Jesus was known for truth and love. People should see Christ in us, even when we disagree. A harsh approach can push people away, but kindness opens doors.
3️⃣ Pray for Wisdom in Each Situation – There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Sometimes, God may lead you to draw clear boundaries, while at other times, He may call you to walk patiently with someone toward repentance.
4️⃣ Keep the Relationship Open – Just like the father in the story of the prodigal son, we should keep a lookout for people who may one day turn to Christ.
The goal is not to win arguments but to win people to Jesus. When we balance conviction with compassion, we reflect the heart of Christ in every conversation.