**The Forgotten Art of Loving Correction**
In an era where individualism reigns supreme, the concept of church discipline has become a controversial topic among Christians. However, the Bible is clear: loving correction is essential for the health and growth of the church. Jesus himself instructed his followers to correct one another in love, and Paul echoed this sentiment in his letters to the early churches.
But what does church discipline entail? It’s not about judging others or exerting control; rather, it’s about lovingly guiding believers towards repentance and holiness. There are different forms of discipline, including formative discipline (teaching) and corrective discipline (correcting sin). The latter can involve private warnings, public rebukes, or even excommunication – not to remove someone from salvation, but to protect the church and the individual from harm.
Despite its biblical roots, church discipline has fallen out of favor in many modern churches. We’ve become more focused on appealing to outsiders than on cultivating holiness within our own ranks. But this approach has consequences: when we fail to correct sin, our words ring hollow, and our witness is weakened.
So, how can we practice church discipline in a way that honors God and loves our neighbors? First, we must recognize that discipline is not about punishment, but about restoration. It’s about helping believers to overcome sin and live lives that reflect Christ’s character. Second, we must approach discipline with humility and wisdom, recognizing that every situation is unique and requires careful judgment.
Finally, we must remember that church discipline is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process of growth and sanctification. It requires patience, love, and a commitment to seeing our brothers and sisters in Christ become more like him.
In a world that rejects correction and exclusion, the church must stand firm in its commitment to loving discipline. As Jonathan Leeman notes, “A shepherd that won’t fend off the wolves will soon find his sheep consumed.” Let us recover the art of loving correction, and may our churches become beacons of hope and holiness in a world that desperately needs them.
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