Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

There’s a moment in every college dorm when someone forgets food in the mini fridge. At first, it’s no big deal—just some leftovers. But a few days go by, then a week. Eventually, the smell creeps out. It fills the room, and suddenly everyone is aware of the rotting mess nobody wanted to deal with. What started as a small problem becomes impossible to ignore.

In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses a similar—though far more serious—issue. The Corinthian church was turning a blind eye to blatant sin in its midst. A man was in a relationship with his father’s wife, and instead of confronting the sin, the church was proud of its tolerance. Paul wasn’t impressed. “Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough?” (v. 6). In other words, what we allow to fester in the dark eventually spreads and affects everyone.

I hate to admit it, but this hits very close to home. As someone who tends to be a people pleaser, it’s tempting to say, “That’s their business,” or “Who am I to judge?” I was taught to stay in my own lane. But Paul pushes us to consider how community works in God’s design. Our choices, our silence, and our acceptance of what is clearly wrong will affect the people around us.

When I sit silently while someone makes choices that will eventually hurt them—or others—who am I really thinking about? Me. Paul is telling the Corinthian church that while confrontation is never easy, it is often the most loving thing we can do.

Here’s the question we should ask ourselves: What is the most loving thing to do in this situation?

Not the easiest thing. Not the most tolerant thing. The most loving thing.

Love doesn’t ignore what’s harmful. It speaks up.

I had a friend in college who was quietly slipping into addiction. Most of us saw the warning signs but didn’t want to seem judgmental. One guy in our group finally sat him down, risked the friendship, and told him the truth. It was messy—but it saved his life. That was love.

Paul’s challenge isn’t about shaming people—it’s about restoring them. He reminds us that we belong to Christ. We’ve been made new. And part of living as God’s people is helping each other grow in holiness. That takes courage, humility, and a love that’s willing to risk being misunderstood for the sake of someone else’s good.

Ask yourself: What’s the most loving thing to do in this situation?

Is there a habit in your life that you’ve been letting slide? Is there a friend you’ve been avoiding a hard conversation with? Love doesn’t turn a blind eye. It leans in with grace and truth. Ask God for wisdom, courage, and compassion. Then act—not out of pride or fear, but out of love that seeks the good of others and the glory of Christ.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.