Perils Among False Brothers

I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.  2 Cor. 11:26 NLT https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/11-26.htm

The wording of the title throws back to the old King Jimmy’s version of the verse above.  Nobody likes to be deceived.  How could Pablo say this, decrying someone as a false believer?  There is a special type of danger that false brothers pose.  Relationships can be an enriching and encouraging influence, but they also hold the power to be corrupting.

It seems like dissonant sound to say that you have to be “wary” in relationships, but I think that may be an actual takeaway from this verse.  Not everyone is what they seem to be.  Some are true deceivers, angling on you for some outcome that they have in mind.  I’ve been in such peril.  Other false brothers aren’t who they believe or present themselves to be.  Also dangerous, though perhaps less conniving.

We can be wary of well known people, or people in very visible positions throwing out some feigned associations with Christ, and that makes sense.  But don’t limit your discernment to just these.  You will know them by their fruit, Jesus said.  Let’s keep in mind that “fruit” in this example is not the absence of something bad, but the presence of proof positive that the Holy Spirit is in fruitful labor in the person’s life.  You know the list from Galatians.

And while we are busy being discerning, let’s don’t forget that the first one listed there is love.  The love of God at work in us, including in our discernment, is paramount.  They will know us by our love.  Walking in love and walking in discernment aren’t mutually exclusive, we just have to make sure love leads the way.  In the midst of our discernment, we have to hold out a measure of grace.  After all, you and me, we are as weak as anyone, right?