I can't help but think of social media when I read these words. In Paul's letter, he immediately dives into the controversy of the day, which is being stirred up by people who speak confidently, asserting things, without understanding what they are saying. People try and say the Bible is an old, irrelevant book, and I can't help but smile when I read verses like this and think that people haven't changed. Our technology certainly has changed, but there are plenty of people in the world today asserting all sorts of things without the full picture of what they're saying.
Paul sets up a test for us -- the aim is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. We can test the words of one another -- are they rooted in love? Can we trust that there is a sincere faith? Does your conscience leave you reason to doubt?
Pure love is what God shows for us on the cross. It's utterly selfless, given freely. Christ modeled this every day throughout his life. May we be suspicious of those more focused on what is in it for them. Paul raised a red flag two thousand years ago -- may we honor his teaching by watching carefully where we get our teaching!
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