Attitude Is Vital

(Pro 24:17 KJV)  Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

Christians are told to turn the other cheek.  At the same time we are told that the government is to use to sword against evil.  The key to this paradox is found in this verse.  It does not mean we refuse to administer justice.  It does not mean we don’t punish crime.  It doesn’t even mean we do not kick out pastors caught in flagrant sin.  It means that we are to do it with the right attitude.

You have heard parents say, “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you.”  They are not talking about physical pain.  They are talking about the difficult process of disciplining children when they are so cute.  The problem is that the cuteness becomes a knife aimed at their own hearts if they are not taught right from wrong.

So?  Be strong.  Be rejected if necessary.  Reprove and correct.  Do it without joy but with a sad heart that loves the object of your correction enough to struggle with the emotional struggle involved.