1 Corinthians 5:1-13

Tolerance and rationalization are words that beg to be defined in the text for today.  The topic is sexual sin and the destruction it can cause in the Community of Believers.  This was a common sin in Corinth, and it is a common sin today.  Why?  Is this a case of history repeating itself and following in the same dangerous path of those who have gone before us?

There are many questions for me as I read this chapter.  A buzz word for the past few years has been tolerance; we are to tolerate bad behavior or be considered hypocrites.  Society encourages that we not call sin out, but allow those whose behavior is shocking at best, to rationalize their behavior.


Christians are to care for and love one another.  We are not to turn a blind eye to improper and immoral behavior when it occurs within the Body of Believers.  We are called to correct each other's behavior, to encourage repentance and remorse. Like the one rotten apple in the barrel that eventually affects all the others, it must be removed.


"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked person from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:12-13)

Tough love is just that, tough.  It is tough to face and even tougher to follow through with; but the rewards are plentiful when the offender recognizes his/her sin and repents.  Unlike the rotten apple that had to be destroyed, the repentant believer can return to the Body. “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7)

Read the 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 text here.  Listen to the audio of 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 here.