When Values Collide

Paul reminded the Corinthians to continue to associate with the immoral people of the world. Jesus modeled this as he socialized with the disreputable people of his day, such as tax collectors and prostitutes. We must befriend those around us who do not yet know Christ.
Many people you work with, live by, or associate with may participate in activities you are strongly opposed to as a Christian. This may curtail the extent of your friendship because you must refuse to drink, gamble, or cheat with them. Certainly, you should not compromise your own values for the sake of the relationship.
However, you can concentrate on activities that avoid value conflicts, such as having lunch together, playing a game of golf, or spending a day shopping. Find activities you both enjoy that contain no compromises. Build your relationship on these positive experiences. During such moments you may find opportunity to discuss your beliefs. If an issue does arise, be sure to state your views without condemning your friend. Simply state what you believe to be right according to the Bible. Allow the Bible to be the authority, not you.
Most of all, pray for opportunities to share your faith in Christ. Remember, sharing Christ benefits your friend more than sharing values. With Christ will come the values. Ask yourself, Do I have any non-Christian friends I am cultivating a relationship with? Am I open to opportunities to share my faith? Do I share my values when asked?
Inside the church. On the other hand, Paul instructed quite differently concerning those within the church. Persons claiming Christ must refrain from immorality. Paul had asked the Corinthians to expel a brother who had been warned previously concerning sinful actions. Later Paul instructed the church to readmit the repentant brother.
Christians must exhibit integrity. We must act according to our stated beliefs. As members of the church, we are accountable to one another. When a member lives in sin, the church must confront that person. Jesus taught this in Luke 17:3. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him." We are called to confront and to forgive.
Both confrontation and forgiveness cause us difficulty. We prefer telling someone else, complaining, and gossiping. Jesus explained in Matthew 18:15-17 that we are to confront the person alone, then with others. If we love our fellow Christians we will confront them, especially if we are directly affected.