“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” – Galatians 6:1-2 (NLT)
Have you ever suddenly found yourself removed from a group without warning? One moment you’re part of the conversation, and the next, you’re out, with no chance to explain or defend yourself. Sometimes, it’s a decision made by one person; other times, it’s backed by the group’s majority.
This kind of exclusion can feel deeply isolating, especially if you were once an active and well-liked member of the group. But what if the removal was justified? What if you really did something that warranted such a response?
Today, we’re continuing our discussion on handling offences within the church by exploring how to address situations where a member has acted inappropriately. How can the church navigate these delicate matters with grace and integrity?
Apostle Paul seemed to have an experience with this when he wrote to the church in Corinth. We were told in 1 Corinthians 5:1- 13, about a member who had engaged in sacrilegious conduct. Paul’s unequivocal counsel was that such a member be banished from the church to avoid contamination. That seemed to be a logical consequence for such behaviour and it is likely that some believers still adopt this approach even in the present day.
However, in 2 Corinthians 2:5 – 11, the same Paul advocated that the ostracised member be forgiven, shown love and restored. Wow! He made the point that such a conciliatory approach be adopted so that Satan does not take advantage of the situation.
What does this say about us as believers? The Christian faith is not a one-man journey. This is why God would have us planted and discipled in local Churches, where we can be kept accountable, and encouraged in the face of adversity.
From Apostle Paul’s experience, it is clear that every believer has a responsibility to restore a fallen brother or sister (Galatians 6:1-2). The Bible instructs us to stir up one another unto love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). This means that God not only expects us to, but He instructs us to look out for one another (James 5:19-20), and in bearing one another’s burden, we please God (Galatians 6:2).
As a church, individually and collectively, our approach to cases of fallen brethren should start with praying for them. Through prayer, we receive utterance and wisdom to learn how to approach the brother or sister. We also condition their hearts to receive caution and welcome accountability.
In addition, we must approach the brother or sister in love – a balanced love that does not entirely look away from the offence but discusses it in a firm but empathetic manner. Remember that a gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs anger (proverbs 15:1). How you say what you say is just as important as what you say.
Also, the church leadership spiritual leader or a mutual friend can intervene (Matthew 18:16-17), to direct the brother or sister aright as well as intercede for them.
Friends, every soul is precious to God. When we look out for brethren in Christ, we partner with God who can keep us from falling and present us faultless (Jude 1:24).
Be your brother’s keeper. Realise that we are stronger together.
Bible Reading Plan: James 1-2