IN THIS age of technology when we get hurt it is easy to go to Facebook, or other social media to voice our feelings. For many of us having mercy or asking: Am I correct in feeling this way? can become an afterthought. Scripture reminds us to examine ourselves first. Judging, criticizing, maligning character, slandering and speaking to tear down another is probably one of the easiest things to do. Sadly, in the Christianity of our day such unedifying practices are applauded as righteous and discerning. Tearing down has become a ministry preoccupation with many in the blogosphere and Internet in general.
It is so easy for one to just spend a few minutes typing at the computer and the result can be devastating. The defiling of the testimony of a brother who has loved the Lord for many years can happen in minutes when the tongue is uncontrolled.474 Such correction and criticism usually comes with little or no prayer, and without speaking to the individual himself, while appearing to be very holy on the outside. Yet the fruit produced from many of these types of rebukes, is usually the increase of a critical spirit in others.
Of course, there are some brothers who have fasted and prayed, sought the Lord and had a burden from His heart. There are those who have pleaded with the individual involved and even worked through other brothers and sisters in the local area where that person is located.475 They have only, as a last resort and plea to this precious brother or sister in the Lord, chosen to post a public warning.476 Such warnings in love are needed for those who are continuing in sins.477 It is also Biblical at times to warn the Church of God of others that are clearly false teachers.478
No public warnings must be posted on the Internet or on other social media until the intent and love of Scriptural correction is fulfilled. Disputes in the body of Christ must be resolved first in the household of God according to principles set out in the Bible. According to Matthew 18:
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the Church; and if they refuse to listen even to the Church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”479
Also in Luke 17 it says: “So watch yourselves. ‘If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.’”480
In Galatians 6 it says: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”481
Here is a simple outline on how to proceed:
1.) Examine yourself. What evidence is there of this sin in my own heart and life. Do I do the same things in my hidden life?
2.) If the person has propagated doctrines different from yours, are you certain you are in the faith and correct? Have you sought advice from a good spectrum of servant leaders? Is the beam in your eyes greater than the little speck you are complaining about?
3.) Have you attempted to solve the problem based on Biblical principles?
4.) Christ’s exhortation to watch over one another and to bear one another’s burdens in the spirit of meekness and love should be foremost in our mind.482
5.) The primary aim must be the restoration of the offender and not to destroy him or her.
6.) Loving the sinner or enemy but not their sin, is the guiding principle. We attempt to restore the person in gentleness and love. This then gives a worthy witness of our faith during correction for a testimony to the sinner, the Church and the world.
7.) It is also true that we cannot overlook sin, as many do in churches today. We do not want to create problems, nor dissension or offense. We say, “We leave it to the Lord.” This is wrong. Scripture tells us we have the duty to oppose sin against us in our Churches or Assemblies. One rotten apple can destroy the whole barrel. Satan and his demons are active in the Church to plant dissension, opposition, division and anger. He seeks to sow evil so that we might devour each other. Satan goes where he can find people of faith to destroy them.
8.) We must forgive 70 times 7 but we should not have fellowship with such a person unless he or she repents and turns around. God tells us that if we forgive, He will forgive us. If we don’t forgive, He will not forgive us.483
9.) The offender must be readmitted to fellowship when he or she has repented, asked for forgiveness and made restitution where possible. Warnings in love and correction in love, including expulsion from fellowship for a time are necessary for those continuing in sin.
In any correction in the body of Christ, may we follow the example of Moses who flung himself in the dust before rebellious Korah.484 This humble servant leadership that does not seek evil for anyone but rather forgiveness and mercy that is approved by God. God still judged Korah in the end for his disobedience485 but Moses gave every opportunity for Korah to repent as he humbled himself in a great way before him. Moses was not trying to build his reputation but rather was simply following the Lord in humility. We must be ready for such situations to occur in gatherings of believers who are meeting under the Headship of Jesus Christ. Where the light is shining greatly the enemy will be active to disrupt.
May God grant us such great humility and Christ’s love in correcting any brother or sister in the Lord.