A Theocentric Approach to Relating with both Regenerate and Reprobate
Abstract
The JE-R (Jonathan Edwards Resolutions) system anchors every aspect of life—including interpersonal relationships—in the supreme goal of glorifying God. This short paper presents People Dynamics as the practical, grace-dependent expression of hetero-agapism (other-centred love flowing from love for God) in a world marked by total depravity. Drawing from Christ’s paradigmatic encounter with the adulterous woman (John 8:1–11), His model of love toward both disciples and enemies, and the Reformed doctrine of radical corruption, the paper outlines how the regenerate believer navigates relationships with fellow believers (for mutual edification) and with the unregenerate (for gospel witness, mercy, and wise boundaries). Special attention is given to the professional environment. The ultimate criterion is never relational harmony or personal comfort, but faithful reflection of Christ so that God’s glory is displayed and His kingdom advanced.
Introduction
Human relationships are the primary arena where the God Agendum is either faithfully advanced or subtly compromised. In a fallen world where most hearts remain enslaved to self-rule (Genesis 3:5; Romans 1:21–32), the regenerate believer is called to love both the regenerate (the body of Christ) and the reprobate (those still under the counterfeit kingdom) in a manner that keeps God as the absolute centre.
The JE-R narrative—“Glorify God in every decision” applies with unrelenting force here. Relationships are not managed for social approval, emotional security, or mutual benefit. They are stewarded as opportunities to reflect Christ’s character, extend gospel invitation, and display the glory of God through redeemed image-bearers.This paper explores People Dynamics as a core JE-R tool. It begins with the foundational reality of total depravity, examines Christ’s correction of Pharisaic legalism in John 8, defines hetero-agapism as the governing principle, distinguishes relational postures toward the regenerate and reprobate, applies the framework to the professional environment, and concludes with practical, daily JE-R application.
1. Total Depravity as Relational Realism
Scripture offers no sentimental optimism about unredeemed human nature. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 ESV). Jesus Himself declared, “No one is good except God alone” (Mark 10:18 ESV). Paul describes the pre-regenerate state as “dead in the trespasses and sins” in which we once walked, following “the prince of the power of the air” and carrying out “the desires of the body and the mind” (Ephesians 2:1–3 ESV).
The reprobate lives helplessly under the dictates of the counterfeit kingdom—autonomy as lord, pleasure as telos, self as centre. From this root flows every form of relational wickedness: manipulation, betrayal, lustful objectification, verbal cruelty, passive-aggressive control, envy, and self-justifying gossip.
The regenerate believer once walked in this darkness and still battles its remnants (Romans 7:15–25). This realism is not cynicism; it is mercy. It protects against naïve humanism (assuming people are basically good) and Pharisaic moralism (demanding righteousness from unregenerate hearts). Expecting depravity frees the believer from shock and bitterness, allowing him to love without illusion—anchored not in the other person’s potential goodness, but in the unchanging goodness of God.
The Pharisees’ treatment of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11) illustrates what happens when depravity is acknowledged but grace is absent.They dragged her before Jesus not out of zeal for holiness but to trap Him. Their solution—stoning—was externally correct yet internally corrupt. Jesus exposed their hypocrisy: “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” Convicted by conscience, the accusers departed.
Alone with the woman, Jesus neither minimised her sin nor crushed her under condemnation: “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”This pattern defines People Dynamics:
- Truth spoken without compromise
- Grace extended without enabling
- Repentance called for without self-righteousness
- The entire interaction ordered for God’s glory
3. Hetero-agapism: The Governing Principle
The only love durable enough for a depraved world is love that does not originate in the other person.
Hetero-agapism is deliberate, reasoned, covenantal love for others that flows from love for God (1 John 4:19 ESV). It is not sentimental or reciprocal. It continues when the other is ungrateful, hostile, or wicked—because its source is vertical, not horizontal.Christ embodied this perfectly: washing Judas’ feet hours before betrayal (John 13:1–11), praying for His executioners while suffering (Luke 23:34), pursuing the Samaritan woman in her shame (John 4), and restoring Peter after denial (John 21).In every case, love was strategic for glory: redemption where possible, faithful witness where rejected, always exalting the Father.
4. Two Distinct Postures: Regenerate vs. Reprobate
With the regenerate (fellow believers):
People Dynamics becomes mutual sanctification—speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), bearing with one another (Colossians 3:13), stirring up good works (Hebrews 10:24), and forgiving as Christ forgave (Ephesians 4:32). The goal is the maturity of the body so the world may believe (John 17:21).
With the reprobate (unregenerate):
The posture shifts but the centre remains: expect wickedness without bitterness, offer mercy without compromise, speak truth plainly while pointing to Christ, pursue redemption without coercion, and set wise boundaries when necessary (2 Thessalonians 3:6–15).
5. Application in the Professional Environment
In the workplace, People Dynamics becomes especially practical and visible. Professional settings often bring together regenerate and reprobate hearts in close, prolonged contact—under pressure, with competing agendas, power dynamics, and performance expectations. The regenerate does not retreat into isolation or adopt worldly pragmatism (“win at all costs”). Instead, he applies theocentric reasoning: every interaction, email, meeting, decision, and conflict is filtered through the question, “How can I glorify God here?”
- With regenerate colleagues: Hetero-agapism manifests as mutual encouragement, accountability, and collaboration that honours Christ. Truth is spoken in love, credit is given generously, and conflicts are resolved biblically rather than politically.
- With reprobate colleagues or superiors: The believer expects self-centred behaviour (manipulation, credit-stealing, gossip, favouritism) without surprise. He responds with integrity, diligence, and mercy—working heartily as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23), refusing to participate in evil, yet extending kindness and gospel witness where possible. Boundaries are maintained wisely (e.g., refusing unethical shortcuts) without bitterness or retaliation.
Sarah, a regenerate believer, works in a marketing team led by a highly competent but self-centred manager (reprobate). The manager frequently takes credit for team ideas, gossips about colleagues, and pressures the team to cut ethical corners for client wins. When Sarah’s idea wins a major account, the manager presents it as his own in the company meeting.Low reasoning would respond with resentment, passive-aggression, or quiet quitting. High reasoning (theocentric) leads Sarah to:
- Privately confront the manager with truth and grace (“I noticed the idea was presented as yours; I’d appreciate proper credit in future—how can we work together more honourably?”).
- Continue working diligently as unto the Lord, refusing to gossip or sabotage.
- Pray for the manager’s salvation and look for natural opportunities to share the gospel.
- If the behaviour continues and affects integrity, escalate wisely through proper channels while maintaining a gentle spirit.
6. JE-R Application: Daily Practice
People Dynamics is lived in ordinary moments:
- Betrayal → Forgive quickly, speak truth if needed, entrust justice to God.
- Manipulation → Refuse control, respond with grace and firmness.
- Unfaithful love → Maintain hetero-agapism without enabling.
- Rejection → Rest in the Father’s approval, keep blessing those who curse.
Conclusion
People Dynamics is not a relational technique to master. It is the fruit of a heart captured by Christ’s love—beginning with total depravity, empowered by the gospel, sustained by the Spirit, and aimed at God’s glory and kingdom multiplication.In a world of darkened hearts, this is the only love that endures without burning out, growing bitter, collapsing under pressure, or compromising holiness. It is the love that washed Judas’ feet, prayed for crucifiers, restored Peter, offered water to the Samaritan woman, and still calls sinners today.May the same Spirit empower believers to love this way—not for relational success, but for faithful witness, for the exaltation of the Father, and for the eternal good of every image-bearer encountered.
__________
- Jeremiah 17:9 ESV
- Mark 10:18 ESV
- John 8:1–11 ESV
- 1 John 4:19 ESV
- John 13:1–11 ESV
- Luke 23:34 ESV
- Ephesians 4:15 ESV
- Romans 12:21 ESV
- John 17:21 ESV
- Colossians 3:23 ESV
- Edwards, Jonathan. The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards.
- Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV). Crossway.
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