The Teaching of Matthew 7:1-2
Holger W. Neubauer

It has recently been said that an eleventh commandment is rapidly growing in acceptance among the majority of Americans. The commandment simply stated is "Thou shalt not judge." Scores of individuals outside the church and an ever increasing number of individuals in the church have inconsistently judged that all judging is wrong. This self-contradictory view is supposedly grounded in the Lord’s own words when He said, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again" (Matt. 7:1-2). If indeed all judging is forbidden by Jesus in this verse, how would we possibly apply Jesus’ own words four verses later when He said, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs" (Matt. 7:6)? The judging that the Savior spoke of in Matthew 7:1-2 is obviously qualified and there are several things that need to be said about this errant doctrine.

First, judgment is not only allowed in Scripture, it is demanded. Jesus in the same sermon said, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matt. 7:15-16). False prophets are to be judged. Their fruits or works are to be judged and critically discerned. The same idea is set forth in I John 4:1 where inspiration says, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." The only way for this injunction to be obeyed is to make concrete and objective judgment concerning a religious teacher. This is irrefutable evidence on the necessity of judging.

Second, the judgment Jesus prohibited was hypocritical judgment. Our Lord went on to say, "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" (Matt. 7:3). The mote Jesus had reference to was a "bit of straw or wool" which might fly into the eye. The beam refers to a "large piece of timber." Jesus was forbidding inconsistent, unfair and consequently hypocritical judgment. Jesus followed his comments about judgment with this poignant exhortation, "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye: and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye" (Matt. 7:5). If we criticize our neighbor for smoking cigarettes and we drink alcoholic beverages in social settings, we are guilty of the very things Jesus condemned. Though no one will live in perfect consistency on all things and on all issues, we certainly can walk in the light of God’s will (I John 1:7) and keep open, high-handed sin from our lives. When we have done this we then can help others with their faults. A similar admonition is found in Galatians 6:1 where the apostle Paul said, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself lest thou also be tempted."

Finally, we ought to notice that our Lord demanded fairness in judging. The Savior, said, "and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again" (Matt. 7:2). This admonition does not mean that if we justify criminals we may also be criminals and forgiven by God, for the unrighteous will not be saved (I Cor. 6:9-11). Our Lord was urging fairness on the part of those following His Word. We ought never convict an enemy of something we allowed in a friend. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. The Proverb writer said, "The legs of the lame are not equal" (Prov. 26:7). It is more difficult for us to be objectively honest with our own inconsistencies than with the inconsistencies of others. However, we must be willing first to undergo self-examination before we set out to correct others (II Cor. 13:5). This will assist us in being fair and honest so that fairness and honesty will be measured back to us by the Lord.

Editorial
Malcolm L. Hill

What rule are we to follow in religion? Where do we go in the field of belief to build faith and follow Jesus Christ? These are very simple questions and I dare say that just about anyone would answer them correctly. All would say that we must follow the Bible if we expect to please God. How true this is! But saying it is one thing and doing it is another. It is very easy to give a verbal answer, but it is sometimes very difficult to follow through in action and deed.

Not long ago I was in a discussion with an eldership relative to what is now taking place in many churches of Christ. I was pointing out the Lord’s Word on fellowship to them when they gave some answers like denominational people do. In that session they stated that if what I was standing for was true, then it would cut out many in the church of Christ. Now what were they saying in essence? They were saying that numbers have something to do with right and wrong. No, they would not say this forthrightly, but this is their true position. This is exactly what the denominational world says and has been saying for many years. They say that if what Christians teach about water baptism is true, then there will not be many people saved. But many in the church of Christ have said, and rightly so, that we do not determine right and wrong by numbers. Why not apply this principle when it comes to fellowship? If it is true when it comes to water baptism then it is true when it comes to Christian fellowship. If not, why not?

In that same meeting with those elders I was told that if we take the Bible stand it will cut out some well known preachers in the church of Christ. Now what was being suggested by a statement like this? They were saying that we may determine right and wrong in religion by well known preachers. But in days gone by one of the chief arguments among church of Christ folks has been that we cannot necessarily go by what preachers say. Then we mentioned men like Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell, and others, pointing out that they did not write the Bible and that if what they say does not agree with the Bible it must be rejected. How can one argue that we must reject false doctrine when it is outside the church of Christ and taught by denominational preachers, but then argue that we cannot take a Bible stand on fellowship and some other subjects because that would mean we must reject some of the well known preachers in the church of Christ? Personally, I would just as soon accept false doctrine by denominational preachers as I would preachers in the church of Christ that are wrong. If not, why not? None of us should accept false doctrine at the hands of anyone! God help us to so be and so stand!

In that same meeting with those elders the position was taken that as long as a preacher preaches the truth while with them, they could permit a preacher to preach for them even though he may have preached false doctrine at another place. Will this stand the test of consistency? Let us see if it will. If a preacher was guilty of immorality in another community, but was not guilty of immorality while in a Gospel meeting or some other church activity while with these elders and the church they are overseeing, would they let him preach for them? The answer came back very quickly from this eldership and it was a plain and simple "No!" How is it then that they can permit a preacher to come and preach for them even though he has taught false doctrine somewhere else but he will not teach it while with them, but they cannot use him if he has done this in moral things? Is it all right to preach a lie somewhere else but it must not be done while at the congregation where I attend? Come on brethren, we can do better than this.

In this meeting with those elders a hint was made by some of them that we might be sitting around and searching for faults in others. Of course this is ridiculous. Was Paul doing this when he wrote all of his epistles? Was Jesus doing this when He laid bare the sins of the Pharisees and Sadducees? And what about all the prophets of old and the other inspired men of the New Testament? Were they just sitting around trying to find faults? Brethren, it is not a sin or a bad thing to take the Bible and judge others by their works (Matt. 15:1-20; I John 4:1; Rev. 2:1-2). We are commanded to be vigilant and watchful (I Pet. 5:8; II Cor. 13:5). Never let it be said that Christians will let the weak and the ignorant in the church keep them from being watchful and vigilant for false teachers and false doctrine. None of us should ever be like young robins in a nest with their mouths open, ever ready to swallow whatever is placed there. This kind of thing is not wise—it is stupid. It is not Christlike—it is of the devil!

Sorrow or Shame?
M. Hill

We often say we feel sorrow for certain individuals because of what has happened to them or maybe something that is inevitable in their lives. Well, I feel for people who have various kinds of problems. But I also have mixed emotions about this matter. Is it sorrow or shame that I feel? Which one should it be? It may be that I should feel a little bit of both.

I feel sorrow for a man who does not have the intestinal fortitude to stand up for what is right. He is led here, yonder, and everywhere by those about him. He is like a man who wants to play football but he does not have the guts it takes to play the game. We have those who stand in pulpits around the world who are afraid to stand up for Jesus. Such men are nothing more than puppets on a string responding to the pulls of those about them. How can one live with himself with such cowardice? It is a sin to be afraid (Rev. 21:8).

I feel sorrow for a man who does not have the backbone to be the leader of his family. The husband/father is to be head of his family (Eph. 5:22-25). I must say that I feel shame for this person as well. He robs his family of a leader. He robs himself of self-respect and dignity. He robs the community of a man. He robs the world of leadership.

What Religious Fear Does for a Man
David Hill

The bottom line answer to the statement which titles this article is that fear will cause a man to lose his soul in hell (Rev. 21:8). Now, it is not regarded as such a serious matter by many, but that does not change the way God views this or any other thing. That is, God does not determine right, wrong, obedience and disobedience based on what mankind thinks or feels (Isa. 55:8-9). It is this point that seems to be at the heart of the trouble with man’s disobedience. His judgment is flawed with the shortsightedness of the here and now. Many times throughout the history of the world man has taken the course of the masses, rejecting God’s law and seemingly feeling good about it. At least he reached a point of feeling good about it. Sometimes, that very move away from God has been the result of fear—a fear of doing that which is right and the criticism and persecution associated with it.

Fear has caused prophets to hide in caves (I Kings 18:4), yet we to this day marvel at the courage of one brave prophet Elijah, who took on the critics, the detractors, and the false prophets of Baal (I Kings 18). By the way, name one of the prophets in the cave. It is very interesting in the study of God’s Word we find that mankind hasn’t changed through all the generations. Yes, prophets of God will hide in caves, and Gospel preachers will sometimes let fear cause them to hide when confrontation is imminent. Oh yes, the loss of influence, friends and a paycheck scares the living daylights out of some preachers. Where are they when it is time to stand? Who knows? They are very hard to find. Along the same line, some preachers write ferocious articles with their word processor and send them off to another state or overseas, and at home no one knows them. In fact when their name is called even to neighbors they are unknown. Some preach powerful lessons in Gospel meetings away from home, yet at home anything and everything goes on in the home congregation and they are quiet as the proverbial church mouse. Why? It has to be fear. Remember, God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34,35), and if we respect persons in the declaration of the Gospel we commit sin (James 2:9). That is in addition to the sin of being fearful. It is a serious matter.

Fear caused the disciples of the Lord to keep their distance from Him during His arrest and trial before the crucifixion (Matt. 26; John 18). Many today keep their distance from Christ. They know well that Jesus said that baptism was part of obedience and salvation, yet they refuse to preach on the subject as well as many other subjects. A most notable individual in this area is Billy Graham. He has always observed the passover when it came to the clear Bible teaching on baptism. That is, he passes right over it, never addressing it. It is true that he can fill stadiums with people, but he refuses to declare the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). And now men who once were Gospel preachers are in fellowship with Billy Graham, Paul and Jan Crouch, Benny Hinn and many others. Why? Well at least in part it must be fear. If Billy Graham preached the Gospel he would not have Charlie Daniels, Johnny Cash, and a host of others following him. He’s afraid of losing them along with his power and influence. Indeed he claims to be a follower of Christ, but he follows at such a distance as to offend the fewest people possible while promoting himself.

Fear is the prime motivator for some people. They make life’s decisions based on or in reaction to fear. How sad this is for it is in fact a low state of living when one chooses the course of least resistance primarily motivated by the fear of the here and now. The true fear should be of eternal punishment and of "Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt. 10:28). Religious fear can not only ruin this life, but also bring destruction in the world to come.

What Causes Men to Depart from the Faith
Ronald D. Gilbert

The Bible warns of some who would depart from the faith. "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them" (Acts 20:29-30). "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart form the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" (I Tim. 4:1).

There are many reasons why some depart from the faith. One insight is seen from John 6. Jesus declared that He was "the living bread." He talked about folks "eating His flesh and drinking His blood." "Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?" (John 6:60). "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him" (John 6:66). Here we learn that some departed from Jesus because of His "hard sayings" or teachings.

Some today are just like those of John 6. What Jesus taught on marriage and divorce in Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9 some consider hard. Some preachers believe that if they preach what the Bible says in Matthew 19:9 they might lose half of their congregation. So they depart from the faith and become false teachers for fear of offending those who pay their salaries. The Bible identifies this type of preacher as a hireling. Some are more concerned with the praises of men than the approval of Jehovah God. "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be part out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God" (John 12:42-43). These were like many modern day politicians. Their actions were based on the opinions of the majority. Right is not determined by numbers and noise but by the Word of God. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). The majority will be lost. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat" (Matt. 7:13).

Still others were never truly converted to Christ. "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us" (I John 2:19). Not everyone is what they are religiously out of conviction; some are what they are religiously out of convenience. This is the problem today with some of our preachers. A few years ago most Gospel preachers were sound. It was fashionable to be conservative. Liberalism is in vogue today in many places. Bashing the church and belittling the truth is quite popular in some circles today. Perhaps some of our preachers today who have moved to the liberal camp have been there in spirit for a long time.

In Luke 8 in the parable of the sower Jesus mentioned four types of hearts men have: wayside, rocky, thorny, and the good and honest heart. This parable shows why men depart from the truth. Jesus explained the parable for His disciples. "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience" (Luke 8:11-15). Notice verse fourteen; Jesus gave these reasons for falling away. Jesus said that they are "choked with cares, riches and pleasures of this life." Not only do these three things stop some from ever obeying the Gospel, they cause many to depart from the faith.

There is no one single reason why men depart from the faith. However, it occurs for different reasons all too often. All of us should heed the warnings from God’s Word. "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (I Cor. 10:12). Watch your step! "Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord’ (I Cor. 15:58).

How to Develop Conviction in Christ
Glenn B. Ramsey

In Titus 1:9 an approved elder is described as, "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." Jude says in verses 14 and 15 of his book, "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him."

The word "convince" as used in these passages means to "convict, convince, tell a fault, reprove, rebuke" (Strong). It is evident that elders must be men who are persuaded in their own minds of the truth that is in Christ and that this persuasion (conviction) leads them to be strong in their teaching so that they may properly rebuke and correct the gainsayers. Obviously all Christians should develop this great quality of "conviction." Unless one is convicted within himself of the truth of God’s Word and unless he has submitted to it in his own life he will never be able to properly help others overcome the faults in their lives.

Paul said that "ye which are spiritual" should restore a man overtaken in a fault (Gal. 6:1). This means that these "spiritual people" would be people of conviction about the truth and people who had allowed that truth to guide their own lives. These would be people who are "strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" (Eph. 6: 10). These are people who love God with all their souls, minds, and strength (Mark 12:30).

An example of the development of this strength (conviction) is Saul of Tarsus, following his conversion to Christ. Acts 9:22 says, "But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ." Later Paul would write, "For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ" (II Cor. 2:17). In I Corinthians 4:17 Paul said that he taught the same things every where "in every church."

But how is this conviction developed? We observe that conviction is based upon one’s faith which is based upon one’s knowledge which comes by the "hearing of the word of Christ" (Rom. 10:17). When Felix called Paul to him he wanted Paul to explain "the faith in Christ" (Acts 24:24). Honorable men respect men of "conviction." But for this conviction to be worthy of honor it must be based upon God’s truth. A man may be convinced and convicted in the wrong way. A man can be convinced and convicted of the right way and according to truth. This comes by a study of God’s Word and a willingness to follow God’s Word wherever it leads one.

How would you like to listen to a preacher if you thought or knew that he was not really convinced that what he was saying was the truth? How many parents fail in their leading of their children because they say things without conviction—something easily perceived by their children? Indeed conviction is a necessary quality of life for leaders of God’s people.

Conviction is not a quality that is inherited or a talent that one is born with! It is developed. How?

Perhaps the best description of the development of this quality, and all other necessary qualities to please God is given in II Peter 1:5-7. Here Peter said, "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity."

Virtue is moral excellence. Knowledge is the knowledge of God’s Word. Temperance is self-control. Patience is steadfastness even in the face of grave danger. Godliness is God-like-ness. Brotherly kindness demonstrates the affinity all men have for all other men, especially of God’s family. Charity refers to the willingness to seek the highest and best good for the object of one’s love.

Then in verse eight of II Peter 1, Peter says, "For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." Surely such a person is a person of conviction in Christ!

The Fruits of Church Politics
Kerry Duke

Church politics. The unconcerned church member hardly knows it exists. Even committed members who are not in the know about the inner workings of the leadership are often unaware of it. In one way their unawareness is a blessing since they are not worried by the disappointments and frustrations involved. But whether they are aware of it or not, all members are hurt by church politics.

Church politicians are those who compromise truth to get a following. They are willing to flatter, deceive, and manipulate to get a following. They accept old foes as friends and turn against old friends if this means they can destroy some person who stands in their way. They will twist the Bible or they will claim to stand strong for it—whatever it takes to maintain a following.

Sometimes church politicians are upset and disgruntled members who oppose or dislike the leadership. They thus embark on a campaign, calling other members, being unusually nice to them, and even writing to them. Then, when the unsuspecting member has his guard down, these crafty church politicians begin their dirty work of tearing down the character of church leaders (I am speaking of leaders who, though not perfect men, still are faithful to God and have authority delegated by God to them to make decisions in areas of judgment—either elders or the men of the congregation). They "wine and dine" as many as they can, especially the weak and the similarly disgruntled. Having gained whatever following they can, they push forward against their target: the leadership.

An individual elder can be a politician. He refuses to work with the eldership as a whole because he wants his way or no way. He also may be liberal or worldly and disagree with the conservative stance of the other elders. So he enters the same kind of destructive campaign. And since as a leader he knows the congregation, he knows just which weakling members to flatter. This makes him especially dangerous. If his wife joins his plot, as is often the case, then their divisive party spirit can quickly destroy a congregation. Obviously, such a self-willed, arrogant man is not fit to be an elder. But the sad truth is that naive and indifferent congregations often place such men in the eldership, only later to pay a terrible price.

Since the preacher in most cases is such a central figure in a congregation, he is usually the most destructive politician of all. He knows the elders; he knows much about the decisions of the church; he has a lot of confidential information in his mind; he knows the members quite well. Such a political preacher wants money and attention. If he feels these are being threatened, he will campaign to secure them. He will adjust (that is, compromise) his preaching to suit the people whose favor he is courting. He feels threatened when a preacher who can preach better than he can is asked to speak in "his pulpit." He is not a preacher; he is a politician, or, a puppet. Such a politically (selfishly) oriented preacher is most hideously shrewd in his relations to other preachers who are like him. (He resents preachers who are not. When faithful preachers stand upon principle and consistency and impartiality, a political preacher flees. When they challenge or correct this hireling, they can be assured that this political preacher will not invite them again to speak on a lectureship or a gospel meeting). He scratches their back, and they scratch his, while they all overlook inconsistencies involving false doctrine, personal sin, or fellowship with error. After all, the political preacher seeks popularity and money, and he knows that if he rocks the political boat, then he will be cut off as a speaker on prized lectureships. He may also find himself unable to land that job he has been eyeing at a brotherhood school, a large church, or a brotherhood journal.

Such infantile selfishness! How contrary to the foot-washing humility of the Lord Himself! How damnable in the sight of Almighty God and how hurtful to the church! They are no better than Pilate who, "willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified" (Mark 15:15). They are like Felix, who, "willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound" (Acts 24:27). They are no different from the chief rulers who believed on Jesus but would not confess Him, "For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God" (John 12:43).

May God help us never to be self-seeking and compromising, but to be like Paul who said: "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts" (I Thess. 2:4).

What Christian Love Demands
Dan Jones

Love is a concept that is often misunderstood, misused, and abused. Yet nothing is more fundamental to the religion of Christ than genuine love. Man would have absolutely no prospect of forgiveness and salvation without love. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). In response to this divine love, we are to love God. "We love him, because he first loved us" (I John 4:19). Our love for God must come before anything and everything else. "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment" (Mark 12:30).

A sincere love for God cannot be claimed unless we also love both our brethren in Christ and all mankind. Brotherly kindness and charity (love) are two qualities of life enjoined upon Christians in II Peter 1:5-7. God’s love for us must prompt our love for one another (I John 4:11, 20-21). Jesus taught that our love for each other is to be patterned after His love for us (John 13:34-35).

Everything that the child of God does must be motivated by love. Paul wrote in I Corinthians 16:13-14, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit ye like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity." With like emphasis Peter wrote, "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins" (I Pet. 4:8). Our faith is in vain unless it is energized by love. "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love" (Gal. 5:6). Even otherwise commendable actions are rendered hollow and empty if the incentive behind them is not love (I Cor. 13:1-3).

But what is the nature and character of this love? What does it really require of the Christian? Is it merely a feeling or an emotion? Does love demand only that which is pleasant and easy, or is it sometimes difficult and unpleasant to practice? Consider three points briefly.

First, let it be clearly understood that Christian love requires action. Love for God (which must be supreme, Matt. 22:37-38) is not demonstrated in idleness, but is shown by doing as He commands (John 14:15). God’s commands are not grievous to those who love Him (I John 5:3), but neither is it always easy to travel the way described as strait and narrow (Matt. 7:13-14). Love for others must likewise be proven by what we do, not just what we say (I John 3:16-18), and this sometimes involves actions that are not necessarily enjoyable and delightful (cf. II Thess. 3:6, 14-15).

Second, Christian love demands that we act in accordance with God’s Word. Any action that is contrary to the teachings of the Bible cannot be the result of genuine love. One may believe he is acting in a loving manner when such is really not the case. For example, some say that it is unloving to identify anyone as a false teacher and publicly refute their false doctrine. We must go to them privately, we are told, as per the instructions found in Matthew 18:15-17. It is indeed loving to go to a false teacher, when the opportunity arises, in an effort to win him away from his false teaching and to the truth. But the Lord’s teaching in Matthew 18 applies to personal offenses—it does not address the public teaching of false doctrine. If public false teaching is not refuted publicly, how can we really claim to love those souls who were influenced by the false teaching? It may be an unpleasant task, but false teaching must be opposed and exposed (II John 9-11; Rom. 16:17-18; Eph. 5:11). Doing so shows that we love and respect God and His Word and that we are truly concerned about the souls of others—including the false teacher.

Third, Christian love is kind, patient, and longsuffering (Eph. 4:25—5:2). No, this does not justify winking at sin, compromising the truth, or any other such thing. It is a safeguard against developing an improper attitude in battling evil. It means that we will not give up, give out or give in, but that we intend to do all within our power to save ourselves and as many others as possible (I Tim. 4:16; Jude 21-23).