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 Bro.
Turner:
I
know none of us are perfect, and in order to fellowship anyone
we must fellowship some sin, But WHICH sins may one safely
fellowship? S.L.
Reply:
None
at all! The question is alive with misconceptions. Christians may
be “perfect” according to Phil. 3:15. We may be “full-grown”
in Christ with respect to attitude — pressing toward the mark.
It is true that all sin, but our association with one who is
striving to avoid sin, and constantly praying for forgiveness as
he is aware of his sins, is not the same as “fellowshipping
sin.”
“Fellowship”
involves sharing or being a partner in or with sin. If we
condone sin, support or lend our influence to advance it,
refrain from teaching against it, or encourage another in it, we
do wrongly. Notice Paul’s statements concerning a thing right
within itself (eating meat that had been offered to idols) when
such eating encouraged idol worship, or put one in the position
of endorsing such worship. (1 Cor. 10:14-31)
Did
the Lord “fellowship sin” when He waited for Jezebel to
repent? (See Rev. 2:21) And while He waits for us to repent, 2
Pet. 3:9; bear fruit, Jn. 15: 2-f.; and forgive others, Matt.
6:14-15? How fortunate we are that God is more concerned about
us, than we are about our weaker brethren. I fervently thank God
that He continues to treat me as His own, despite my many
imperfections; and yet, I do not believe that God “fellowships
sin” —not for one minute. (1 Jn. 1:6 Jas. 1:13)
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Congregational
(“team-work”) activities call for a very obvious type of “fellowship:”
and I can not support financially, nor lend influence to worship
or work that is without divine authority. For those who know God’s
plan, and who love God more that they love a “party” of
people, or a certain building, this line is not so difficult to
draw. In the same category are approving associations with
immoralities that flaunt the authority of God and human decency.
(2 Jn. 9-11; 1 Cor. 5:1-f)
Perhaps
more difficult are those cases of teachers and practitioners of
error who seem to act in good conscience before God, and believe
they are doing and teaching as God wills. Patience is
certainly demanded — and in all such cases, free discourse and
study of God’s word on the subject must prevail. There is no
surer sign of the wrong attitude than for one to insist
upon a certain practice or teaching, and demand immunity from
censure or open Bible study.
Then
there will always be babes in Christ, and those who should be
teachers but have not grown, who sin repeatedly and need much
care and attention if they are to survive. It would tax a
Solomon to know just how far patience should go — but attitude
will be the deciding factor, on their part and on ours. We begin
to “fellowship sin” when we are content with such, and no
longer feel it necessary to try and save their souls.
A
Christian never knowingly fellowships any sin; especially
that of judging others by his own standards
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