The Body of Christ has suffered because many believers do not abide to speaking the truth. Throughout His ministry, Jesus taught us to speak the truth without sinning. Because many people do not know how to do so, they would rather close their eyes on things they should not whether they are directly concerned or others are; they would rather give in to gossiping, criticizing, judging others, etc… all those things that God has asked us not to do lest we are called hypocrites! My brother, my sister, the Bible tells us that we should “Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (verses 9-11). My friend, it is important for believers to avoid any pleasure or activity that results in sin. Besides, it is your duty, as a Christian, to expose deeds of darkness. The Bible even goes further: we should not participate in deeds of darkness (verse 7), because not doing anything, even our silence may be interpreted as approval.
My friend, God wants to work with people who will take a stand for what is right according to Him. Christians must learn to lovingly speak out for what is true and right before the Lord. That is the reason why Apostle Paul is appealing to us to wake up (verse 14) and realise the danger of being a slipping and a sleeping Christian. My friend, Jesus will shine on you only you are awake: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (verse 14). Waking up, does not me to avoid unbelievers. In the contrary, Jesus taught us to befriend sinners, but to lead them to Him (Luke 5:30-32). Instead, what this passage is teaching us is not to copy the lifestyle of people who make excuses for bad behaviour, whether they are in the church or not. When they are in the church, it is even worse because they can quickly pollute the church and endanger its unity and purpose.
Yes, Christians must befriend unbelievers if they are to lead them to Christ, but must be wary of those who are viciously evil, immoral or opposed to all that Christianity stands for, because such people are more likely to influence us for evil than we are to influence them for good. The fact is, we should live above reproach morally speaking, so that we will reflect God’s goodness and truthfulness to others (Matthew 5:15-16). My friend, when a man or woman of faith tells the truth, his/her actions will be truthful and will reflect his/her faith. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.