1st Sunday in Advent, Dec. 2, 2012
Deacon Robert Banet
(This is a discussion about whether to warn someone if they’re living in sin, which means living with a boyfriend/girlfriend without the benefit of marriage.)
My cousin is living in sin.
What! People don’t talk that way any more.
I know. That’s why I told him. You know what he said?
I can guess. But go ahead. What did he say?
He said I was being judgmental and that the Bible said you should not judge.
Well, he was right about the Bible saying you should not judge.
Do I hear a “but” in the background?
Judging an action
Yes. You should not judge, but that means you should not judge a persons’ guilt. You can call attention to his actions. But that’s not judging.
Seems to me we have talked about this before.
You’re right. But it’s a very important matter. It keeps coming up and it’s hard to get across.
I guess you’re right. Do you think I should have said anything?
I think you did right. It’s his poor understanding that is at fault.
I think I remember now what you said. Something about St. Paul and handing somebody over to Satan.
Yes. For the good of his soul. He wanted the punishment to make his repentance easier. You could look it up.
Where could I find it?
Look at First Corinthians, Chapter five.
Which verse?
C’mon, Joe, you oughta be glad I gave you the chapter.
I’m gonna get back to that cousin of mine.
Good idea. It’s for his own good.