1 Corinthians 5:11
Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)
أَمَّا الآنَ فَقَدْ كَتَبْتُ إِلَيْكُمْ بِأَنْ لاَ تُعَاشِرُوا مَنْ يُسَمَّى أَخاً إِنْ كَانَ زَانِياً أَوْ طَمَّاعاً أَوْ عَابِدَ أَصْنَامٍ أَوْ شَتَّاماً أَوْ سِكِّيراً أَوْ سَرَّاقاً. فَمِثْلُ هَذَا لاَ تُعَاشِرُوهُ وَلاَ تَجْلِسُوا مَعَهُ لِتَنَاوُلِ الطَّعَامِ.
What Does This Mean?
Paul writes to the Corinthians that if someone who calls themselves a Christian is doing bad things like being greedy, drinking too much, or cheating others, then Christians should not spend time with them or even eat together.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a friend at school who always takes your lunch money. Paul says it's best to stay away from friends like that because they're doing wrong things and can lead you astray, just like keeping bad company in the playground can get you into trouble.
Historical Background
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter around AD 53-54 to address various problems within the Corinthian church. The Corinthians were a mixed group of Greek converts who struggled with ethical and moral issues due to their pagan background.
Living It Out Today
Today, if you know someone in your workplace or community who consistently cheats others or engages in immoral behavior under the guise of being Christian, it's important to avoid close association with them. This might mean not inviting them over for dinner or refusing to participate in projects led by such individuals.
Topics
sincommunityethical livingdiscipline in churchChristian conductfellowship
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this mean Christians should never associate with non-Christians?
No, the verse specifically addresses behavior within Christian communities. Christians are still called to engage in the world for witness and outreach.
How do we balance love and separation from sinful behaviors?
Balancing involves showing compassion while also upholding moral standards. It's about setting boundaries without abandoning the person to their sin.
What are some signs of behavior that warrants this kind of separation?
Signs include persistent, unrepentant sinful actions like greed, immorality, and dishonesty. Repentance should be encouraged before taking such steps.
Is it ever okay to eat with someone who has these behaviors if they're repenting?
Yes, once genuine repentance is shown, forgiveness and reconciliation are biblical mandates, including shared meals which symbolize fellowship and unity in the community.