"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted."(Galatians 6:1)
"Cancel culture is a modern form of ostracism in which someone is thrust out of social or professional circles--whether it be online, on social media, or in person." (Wikipedia)
I don't believe that in the Christian community, the word "cancel" has a solid place in our purpose or practice. We have "All sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
In this day, we are trying to cancel that which offends us. That which we deeply disagree with. I am so glad that God didn't just cancel me when I sinned and went against His will according to His Word. Instead of canceling us, He longs to restore us (2 Peter 3:9) According to our text, that is what we are to desire to do as well. We are not to cancel one another out, but attempt to restore one another in a "spirit of gentleness".
Today we see statues coming down, books coming off the shelves, products being banned, educational material changed, and college courses canceled so that a certain way of thinking might dominate our culture.
*Jacob Haywood writes: "But gone are the days of cordially discussing such differences or agreeing to disagree. People would rather unfriend, boycott, or attack individuals, businesses, and churches for believing and practicing values contrary to their own."
My question is: Is this the way to unity? Whether it is an attempt to restore a sinning brother or sister, or working to resolve differences concerning a certain issue of our day; canceling someone, or something in order to establish a dominate position is not the answer.
And a greater concern is in what the apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:2 "But have not love, I am nothing." Without love for one another, we will accomplish nothing. In essence what we are trying to do, is cancel out love. Without Love, we will stay divided, and stay on a path of destruction. Is that what we want America? I would think not! GP
*Jacob Haywood serves as the student pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Tullahoma, Tenn. (Lifeway Research)
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