If you are a student of God's Word, we have been given examples of how to react to nearly every situation. Notice the example of what the mature Christians, Priscilla and Aquila, did with the newer, in the spotlight Christian, Apollos in Acts 18:24-26, "Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born in Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. Apollos was sincere, yet was ignorant about the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Priscilla and Aquila did not call his authenticity into question, but lovingly and away from publicly criticizing him, simply taught him. The result in Acts 18:27-28, was he left encouraged and more emboldened.

The Christians in Corinth were carnal Christians. Paul never stopped calling them his brethren, though they struggled in many aspects of their walk. Paul didn't question the authenticity of their acceptance of Jesus Christ's offer of salvation as a result of their carnality. But continued to love them. At times he was gentle, and other times he was straightforward and convicting. As the more mature Christian he continued to love them along their walk of faith. We read in 2 Corinthians 7:9-12, "Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you."

The Scriptures have given us wonderful examples of how we should react to situations and conversations. The last time I checked, none of us were given the job of deciding who does and who does not get to spend eternity with Jesus in heaven. We have been given the task of sharing the truth of His offer (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8). As we grow in maturity, we have been given the task of coming along weaker brothers and sisters and assisting them in their walk. There are many in each and every congregation who are true believers and others who are not. Whether in church or at work or at home, rather than spending our time deciding who is who, the gospel message should be continually on our lips. What we have read that day, heard in a message, listened to in a worship song, prayed about should be what occupies our talk. For the unbeliever we will be acting like Paul, perhaps bringing information and the message of salvation for the first time. For those in the family of God, we will be acting like Barnabas, encouraging others in their walk. Being forthcoming and encouraging about the truth of the gospel builds others up and is the reason we have been given the right and privilege to walk this earth, to glorify God.