Tough Love


Romans 16

17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites,[f] and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

As church leaders we have to be sensitive to what is happening in our church especially when it comes to people causing division. The Bible tells us to avoid people who are gossip mongers, and those who love to cause division in church.

This is a hard command to do because we all know that God can redeem and restore people so it is like walking in a tightrope when it comes to dealing with people like that.

So how do we go about when someone is causing trouble and division in church:

1. Talk privately to the person causing the trouble and confront him with his sin. It is wise if a spiritual authority is the one who will talk to the person and not just any member of the church.

2. If the person is repentant, we restore the person who sinned. If not, then he/she must face church discipline and be asked to  be relieved of any ministry responsibility.

At any case, the goal is restoration. But in cases the person does not want any restoration – then there is nothing we can do about it but tell him to leave the church to protect the church from further damage and sin.

 

 


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