2 Corinthians 2:8 I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.

Church discipline was difficult in the 1^st century, and it’s difficult today. We aren’t to overlook major sins by any means, but if there is repentance, such people are to be restored. The problem comes in our evaluating the degree of repentance. Simply hiding sins from other people doesn’t cut it, but then, we can’t see people’s hearts the way God can and does. There have been errors in this area throughout Church history. We need to operate in humility, purity, and love. All of us fall short in each of those areas at times! However, that doesn’t mean we are to give up, and fail to insist on Biblical standards. The problem comes when we substitute our standards for God’s. As Jesus put it, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” (Mark 7:8) We aren’t to excuse sin, but we are to forgive it.

In my first pastorate, a previous pastor had a nervous breakdown over this issue, because a church officer was known to be in an immoral situation, yet continued coming to church as though nothing were wrong. That had fortunately been resolved by the time I got there, but such things aren’t unusual. When high-profile people get caught in such things there is a big stink, because the devil loves to discredit the Church, but the problem should be resolved sooner than that. I need to have the courage and love to confront people when I am made aware of issues, but I may well be blind to them. I need to ask and allow the Holy Spirit to “ride herd” on us all, pointing out areas we need to repent, first to the individual, and if necessary, to me or another church officer. Formal discipline is never to be done lightly, and always in love. The biggest issue we have had in this church has been people who were divisive, and God has taken them away from here without completely splitting the church. I’m very grateful.

Father, thank You for this Word, and for Your mercy to us. You know the other church that I’m concerned for in this area. Thank You that it’s not my personal responsibility! I do pray for a spirit of repentance to come on them, to restore them to the pattern You have laid out in Your Word, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!