Two Saturdays ago, we had our final “Right or Wrong” ethics talk at Timothy Fellowship. This is a series of talks where we explore ethical issues as spelt out in Scripture. And we are so privileged to have friends from Grace BP joining us for all four of these sessions.

People like to say Christians are very judgmental. Yes, I do think there is some truth to it. The fact is, Christians do have a very strict code of right and wrong which stems from the Bible. Think about it: if you know right and wrong, you can’t help but pass judgment on people’s actions.

Christians hold that right and wrong are real, so there is no way we can avoid making moral assessments. Some people will find that uncomfortable, and we can’t change that. What we can control is whether truth comes with humility and genuine listening, so that those who do want to talk about their moral matters will find us safe to approach.

If a person wants to seek affirmation for doing something wrong, in all likelihood, he won’t approach a Christian; he would probably be more inclined to approach someone who believes that right and wrong are relative. Then maybe he can get the affirmation he wants.

Therefore, people who prefer to do wrong would rather not mix with Christians, as they would surely find us judgy. I think this can’t be helped. But if ever they wish to know more about the Bible’s stance on moral issues like tattooing, homosexuality, gambling, or premarital sex, at least we are ready with scriptural answers.

However, I would like to end off with a challenge. Let’s think about Jesus. He had the perfect understanding of right and wrong, and yet sinners are drawn to Him. So our challenge is: how to be more like Jesus such that we can also be friends of sinners and yet not compromise on our moral convictions.

Luke 7:34

“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’”