How should we interact with people who believe or behave in ways we think are wrong?

Judeo-Christian ethic: the moral standards of Judaism and Christianity.

Religious pluralism: all religions and ideas are of equal value.

Moral relativism: The view that ethical standards, morality, and positions of right and wrong are relative to culture or a particular person’s belief.

How to interact with people who believe and behave in ways you believe are

wrong:

Matthew 5:13-16 You are the salt of the earth…. You are the light of the world….

• Be salt and light – be your values; don’t just speak your values.

How to interact with people who believe and behave in ways you believe are

wrong:

Colossians 4:5-6 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

• Be wise with your words – how you speak is as important as what you say.

How to interact with people who believe and behave in ways you believe are

wrong:

John 1:14 The Word (Jesus) became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

…full of grace and truth (John 1:14)

Grace

1) the “soft” side 2) love3) gives permission

to fail; gives second chances

Truth

1) the “hard” side 2) holiness3) stands for what is

right; expectation for obedience

Grace Truth

Grace Truth

When we stand for GRACE it can look like we don’t care about what is right or wrong.

When we stand for TRUTH it can look unloving, mean, and judgmental.

How to interact with people who believe and behave in ways you believe are wrong:

1) Be salt and light – be your values; don’t just speak your values.

2) Be wise with your words – how you speak is as important as what you say.

3) Extend grace and truth – and pay special attention to the one that is hardest for you.