How should we treat a fellow believer who is not obeying God's word? Setting the Scene “Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3:15) Paul’s directive comes after he instructs the church to “take note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed” (v. 14). The tension is clear: separation for the sake of correction, but never hostility. Key Principles Drawn from the Verse • Family, not foes – The disobedient believer remains “a brother.” Our tone and posture must reflect kinship. • Correction, not condemnation – “Warn” implies a loving caution, not harsh punishment. • Purposeful distance – Limited fellowship aims to awaken repentance, not to banish permanently. Biblical Echoes That Reinforce the Approach • Matthew 18:15-17 – Private reproof ➜ two or three witnesses ➜ church involvement ➜ limited fellowship if unrepentant. • Galatians 6:1 – “Restore him gently,” while guarding our own hearts. • 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 – Separation from persistent sin, yet always with restoration in view. • Proverbs 27:6 – “Faithful are the wounds of a friend,” underscoring loving honesty. Practical Steps for Engaging a Wayward Brother or Sister 1. Examine your own heart • Remove any bitterness (Ephesians 4:31-32). • Pray for humility and clarity. 2. Initiate a personal conversation • Speak privately first (Matthew 18:15). • Use Scripture as the authority, not personal preference. • Highlight both the seriousness of sin and the hope of forgiveness (1 John 1:9). 3. Escalate only as needed • If ignored, bring one or two spiritually mature witnesses (Matthew 18:16). • Should stubbornness persist, involve church leadership for formal admonition (Matthew 18:17). 4. Adjust fellowship while maintaining love • Social distance communicates gravity (2 Thessalonians 3:14). • Keep lines of communication open for repentance. • Continue praying and looking for opportunities to restore. 5. Welcome repentance quickly • Celebrate a changed heart (Luke 15:20-24). • Reaffirm full fellowship and forgive without reservation (2 Corinthians 2:7-8). Balancing Firmness and Mercy • Firmness guards the purity and witness of the church (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Mercy reflects God’s patience toward us (Psalm 103:8-10). Maintaining both mirrors the character of Christ, “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Why This Matters • Protects the individual from deeper harm (James 5:19-20). • Preserves unity and holiness within the body (Ephesians 4:1-3). • Displays the gospel, showing sin’s seriousness and grace’s power (Titus 2:11-14). |
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