Are There Different Rules For Family? by Randall Duvall

I continue to marvel as I see men and women who claim to be faithful Christians, say that they love God more than anything else and continue to compromise when it comes to withdrawing themselves from unfaithful brethren. It seems in many cases that they don’t have a problem withdrawing from non-related brethren, but for some reason when it comes to their own blood, they lay aside the word of God and will socialize, attend weddings, family gatherings and a whole host of other social activities with unfaithful Christians. Where in the Bible do we have one set of rules for Christians we do not share physical blood with and another set of rules that allows us to socialize with those of our physical blood who have crucified Christ afresh by their disobedience to His Word?I’ve heard every excuse under the sun from ‘there’s a different relationship with our physical family’ to ‘if we don’t go around them, how can we teach them’. Teaching is not socializing and attending a social event is not teaching. This is called compromising. If we truly love them as we claim we do, we will stand firm with the Word of God and against their rebellion to our great King. We cannot have it both ways. The unfaithful have chosen to have fellowship with the world. We are told that fellowship with the world puts us at odds with God. James 4:4I do not speak out of ignorance as I have a most precious daughter who is in rebellion to God. I have chosen to obey God rather than compromise my soul and hers by withdrawing myself from her. She withdrew her fellowship from Christ which automatically severed her fellowship from me and all Christians. 1 John 1:3-7. How can I turn my back on God’s Word, then claim that I preach the whole counsel of God? God says withdrawal will cause her to be ashamed, repent and save her soul. I trust God’s Word and as much as it hurts to not be able to socialize with her, I stand ready to teach her the truth.Finally, when we socialize with the unfaithful, we do them an injustice and truly do not love them. God is very clear that if we love our relatives who have fallen away, we must obey the commands of God so that they might be ashamed, repent and come home. The prodigal son’s father did not go to the far away land and socialize with his son in sin. He waited patiently for his son to repent and return home. Then, there was great celebration!The Scriptures say:2 Thess 3:6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he* received from us.2 Thess 3:14-15 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.1 Tim 6:3-5 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing,…. From such withdraw yourself.