Many different situations arise during one’s lifetime, situations that require a different response. There are also different responses one can make, some good and some bad. Let’s see what the Bible has to say about this point.

A Spiritual Response

A Spiritual Response… Problems with brethren are inevitable (Matt. 18:7; 1 Cor. 11:19). Due to differences in personality, in understanding; due to sin, unkindness, etc. There are always carnal responses (Gal. 5:13-15). We need to cultivate attitudes that will help us deal with brethren in trying situations (Eph. 4:1-3; Phil. 2:1-4; 1 Cor. 13:4-7). The offending brother (Matt. 18:15-17).

A Spiritual Response… Treatment of brethren in general: We must try to treat everyone alike. This does not mean that it is wrong to have special friends. (Jn. 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20). We should be careful about making surface judgments (Jas. 2:1-9). There is always a carnal response we can make to people. We should look upon each person with love and a desire to help them to be presented to Christ perfect (Col. 1:28).

A Spiritual Response… Sin: One of the dangers is to pretend it does not exist. (That is the response many are making today) Jesus condemned sin in no uncertain terms (Matt. 5:29-30; 15:19-20; Jn. 8:11). We must not tolerate sin (Rev. 2:2, 14-16; 2:20). Attempt to restore (Jas. 5:19-20; Jude 22-23; Gal. 6:1). Withdraw (1 Cor. 5:13; Rom. 16:17; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14). Receive the one who repents (2 Cor. 2:7-8).

A Spiritual Response… These are only a few of the problems that will arise: Problems with brethren due to differences in personality, in understanding, unkindness, etc. Treatment of brethren in general. Responses to sin. Let us take the principle we have studied and be sure that we always look for the spiritual response instead of the carnal one -- the scriptural response rather than the response of our impulses.

John 3:3-5 (NKJV) Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”