What does "do not regard him as an enemy" teach us about love? Reading the Verse in Context “Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3:15) Paul has just instructed believers to “keep away from every brother who leads an undisciplined life” (v. 6) and to “take note of him, so that he will be put to shame” (v. 14). Immediately he balances that discipline with the words above. Discipline without love quickly becomes cruelty; love without discipline becomes permissiveness. Verse 15 keeps both in harmony. Love Does Not Label People as Enemies • Enemy language dehumanizes; brother language personalizes. • Scripture consistently forbids personal vengeance (Romans 12:19) and calls us to blessing, not cursing (Romans 12:14). • Jesus said, “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). If we must love actual enemies, how much more those still considered “brothers” in Christ. • 1 Corinthians 13:5 reminds us that love “keeps no record of wrongs.” The goal is restoration, not record-keeping. Love Corrects With Family Affection • Galatians 6:1: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness.” • Ephesians 4:15: “Speak the truth in love.” • Proverbs 27:6: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Practical blend: 1. Approach personally, not publicly shaming. 2. Use gentle words that make clear the issue yet preserve dignity. 3. Express confidence that God’s grace can change the situation. Practical Ways to Obey This Command • Pray for the brother before, during, and after any confrontation. • Speak face-to-face whenever possible; text or social media easily sound hostile. • Affirm relationship first: “You’re my brother, and I value you.” • State the concern plainly, avoiding exaggeration. • Offer help—accountability, resources, time. • Follow up; restoration is a process, not a single conversation. Warnings and Boundaries Still Matter • Verse 14’s call to “keep away” shows love sometimes draws lines for another’s good and the church’s purity (1 Corinthians 5:11-13). • Healthy boundaries are not hostility; they’re tough love meant to awaken conscience. • Romans 16:17: “Watch out for those who cause divisions… turn away from them,” yet Romans 12:21 immediately reminds: “Overcome evil with good.” Living Illustration: Jesus’ Pattern • Peter denied Jesus three times. Jesus did not treat him as an enemy; He restored him (John 21:15-17). • Judas betrayed Jesus, yet Jesus called him “friend” (Matthew 26:50) while acknowledging the sin. • Both examples show that love keeps the door open even when boundaries are crossed. Summary Takeaways • Biblical love never surrenders truth, but it never surrenders people either. • Correct, withdraw if necessary, but always keep brotherly concern in view. • Treating no one as an enemy reflects Christ’s love, aiming for repentance and full restoration. |
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