Today's encouragement comes from 2 John, v. 10, where we read these words:
"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him."These are interesting words from the tender and sensitive "apostle of love," (John). Are not sweet Christian people to listen to anyone? Are we not to open our hearts to everyone's opinion of God? Actually, no. Authentic love says, “If you come to my house with a false gospel of works, please know that I serve the God of heaven, who gave His Son for my sins. Because of this, I will not tolerate listening to your dishonor of Him."
Does this mean we do not try to reach (even) these people? No, it does not mean that. Here is a safe rule to go by: let us inform all works-righteousness evangelists that they are welcome to hear Christ's gospel of love and grace from us; but that we are not open to their false teaching.
[Puritan quote of the day: "A great part of the pleasure and delight of the Christian life is made out of the observations of Providence.” —John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]
