It is with amazement that some might call arrogance with which this author views many naïve, misdirected calls to “do the loving thing” in religious matters. Call it what opponents may, any “loving thing” needs biblical definition.
Consider examples of misguided pleas:
(1) If men differ on how to be saved, “do the loving thing” and do not challenge views. Let all believe what they will, and let God sort it out in the end. This is what some say and believe. It is misguided.
(2) If people are engaged in what one sees as sin, but they seem happy, “the loving thing” is to just live and let live. They’ll answer to God for it, and no one on earth is their judge. This, too, is misguided.
Consider, now, biblical responses:
(1) If the Bible speaks on the plan of salvation, students of the Bible have the responsibility to rightly understand it (2 Timothy 2:15) and teach it (2 Timothy 2:2). The loving thing is to gently and to humbly (2 Timothy 2:24-25) confront error in the hopes that truth will be understood and heeded (John 8:32; 1 Timothy 2:4). This is what leads to salvation.
(2) Then, if brethren are engaged in sin, other brethren are not justified in just leaving them alone. Rather, there is an obligation: “Brethren, if any man is overtaken in a trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2). They are to be confronted with compassion. Letting one live in sin is the easy road to take. Confrontation is usually uncomfortable. Yet, the lack of that confrontation about sin just contributes to the unraveling of the situation (James 1:14-15), which will ultimately cause someone to lose his or her soul.
Granted, the truly loving thing will cause some objectors to judge the truth-teacher as being too judgmental (ironic, isn’t it?). Paul sharply rebuked the Galatian church and fell quickly from the status of hero to the unenviable position of enemy (Galatians 4:14-16). However, Paul was never one to seek popularity. Instead, “knowing the terror of the Lord,” he “persuade[d] men” (2 Corinthians 5:11).
Oh, that men would understand that “the loving thing” is not always the most well-received. Paul did not enjoy making the Corinthians sorry with a letter, but he was glad at the result it brought:
For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner… (2 Corinthians 7:10)
Godly sorrow inspired by truth-teaching lasts briefly, but the salvation to which it leads is eternal. The goodness of God is in His teaching, even if it makes someone uncomfortable. After all, this goodness was not designed for men’s applause but to lead men to repentance (Romans 2:4).
