Guilt By Association

We tend not to associate with those we disagree with, don't we?

The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love. I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning you must walk in it. Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist! Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but may receive a full reward. Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring this teaching; for to welcome is to participate in the evil deeds of such a person. Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. The children of your elect sister send you their greetings. - 2 John 1-13

Jesus was often accused of associating with the wrong people.  It made the leaders of the faith uncomfortable.  But he explained it simply.  I have come for those who have strayed, those who need to be healed.

So, why is John writing to tell the members of the church to keep away from such people?  Does he fear their influence over the believers?

Perhaps this is just a warning John is making to one person, the elder lady who is a woman of faith leading a church.  Maybe he is worried she will be influenced more easily.

That would mean we shouldn't take what he says as something we should all hold true, that avoiding those who have different views about Christ is the way to go.

Now John does say that he has more to tell her but wants to do it in person, so perhaps the story doesn't end here.  Instead, we might just hold off on making a judgment call.

I don't think he is talking about avoiding the unbelievers, though.  He is warning against deceivers.  So, how do we know which is which?

For many today, it is easier to stay away from people who think differently, than to associate with them, for fear of their influence or worse, that they will react violently.

Maybe that is who John is warning against, the righteous who flogged and killed Jesus because of his views.

But Jesus laid down his life for those he came to help, his sheep.  Shouldn't we be willing to do as he did?

Maybe, as John indicates, we are not yet ready for that.

More to come...