Rebuke; is it Okay and Who's Job is it?

I have often wondered how we are supposed to correct someone and if it is even our job to do so. Too often I have witnessed Christians flogging others with the Bible because they feel it is their right to point out sin whenever they see it, but deep down inside, I can’t help but feel this doesn’t emulate the love Christ asked us to show. Usually people respond to this by saying, “I am showing love by telling them the truth…”

Well yes, but not when you do it in an unloving way. So what is the right way? Let’s find out…

OUR ROD IS THE WORD OF GOD

So first and foremost, anytime we correct someone, we should use the word of God. Remember, we are correcting sin or offense and all sin is defined by the word of God. Plus we want to give them tools so they can grow into maturity in Christ, that’s the whole point of rebuke and correction. 2 Timothy 3:16-ALL SCRIPTURE is breathed out by God and profitable for TEACHING, for REPROOF, for CORRECTION, and for TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, that the man of god may be COMPLETE, EQUIPPED for every good work.

THINK FIRST BEFORE SPEAKING

Second, let’s evaluate why we are correcting them, where we are in our spiritual walk and where they are also. Are they really sinning or did they just hurt your feelings? Is this an unbeliever or a brother? Are they an elder or someone beneath you? Are you guilty of the same thing? Should you show grace or be harsh? It’s appropriate to discover who, why or what so we know the correct action to take…

James 1:19- Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be QUICK TO HEAR, SLOW TO SPEAK, SLOW TO ANGER.

HYPOCRICY

Before we say anything we need to examine our hearts in the matter. Are we guilty of the same thing? By correcting this person are we being hypocritical? How many times have we been shown grace in this area and should we perhaps extend the same mercy? Probably over half the things people do is stuff we also do, so right there we have eliminated a good chunk of the time we feel like correcting someone. Take note, the Bible is very clear that if we do judge someone for something we do as well, we stand worthy to be judged in the same way, so let’s be very careful what we chose to correct others on. Matthew 7:3- And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but DO NOT CONSIDER THE PLANK IN YOUR OWN EYE? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! FIRST REMOVE THE PLANK FROM YOUR OWN EYE, and then you will SEE CLEARLY TO REMOVE the speck from your brother’s eye.

Romans 2:1- Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you CONDEMN YOURSELF, because you, the judge, PRACTICE THE VERY SAME THINGS.

Ecclesiastes 7:21- Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. YOUR HEART KNOWS that many times YOU YOURSELF have cursed others.

OVERLOOKING OFFENSE

Now, if offense is the reason for wanting to correct someone, our first thought should be, “Can I overlook it? Is it really that important or worth it? Could I emulate God’s grace or mercy by ignoring it? Does this correction benefit just me or will it help the person to grow in Christ?” Most often it shows maturity to take the high road or turn the other cheek.

Proverbs 19:11- GOOD SENSE makes one slow to anger, and it is his GLORY to overlook an offense.

Matthew 5:38- “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, TURN THE OTHER TO HIM ALSO. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.

DON’T HOLD A GRUDGE

Sometimes we still have a hard time letting go of offense, if this is the case, we must go to them and tell them how we feel. We do this so we do not fall victim to the flesh as well.

Leviticus 19:17- “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, LEST YOU INCUR SIN BECAUSE OF HIM.

Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you SPEAK TRUTH WITH HIS NEIGHBOR,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and DO NOT SIN”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil.

When we don’t go to a person and let them know we are offended, we can get bitter. Bitterness turns into unforgiveness, and unforgiveness means you also are not forgiven. When we aren’t forgiven we become defiled, thus unacceptable before God.

Hebrews 12:15- See to it that no one FAILS TO OBTAIN THE GRACE OF GOD; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it MANY BECOME DEFILED;

Matthew 6:15- But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, NEITHER will your Father forgive your trespasses.

1 John 1:9- If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to FORGIVE US OUR SINS and to CLEANSE US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS.

Likewise, if we know someone is offended by us because we accused them wrongly or have hatred towards them, go to them and make it right before it is too late. We know that according to the old testament murder was subject to penalty, but now in the new testament Christ adds to it by saying that even hatred for someone is considered murder! The thing is, until we have repented and made things right with that person, we are unfit for communion with God, that means prayer, forgiveness and worship… This parable makes it so very clear that as long as there is hatred in our heart, even a small thing like contempt, we run the risk of having to pay the penalty for murder, so make things right before it is too late!

Matthew 5:21- “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that WHOEVER IS ANGRY WITH HIS BROTHER SHALL BE IN DANGER OF THE JUDGEMENT. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Stupid!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You moron!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. FIRST BE RECONCILED (change the enmity) to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.25 Agree with your accuser quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your accuser deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

So now that we have examined ourselves first, we can then move on to the meat of the subject. We have just witnessed a sin that could possibly lead our brother to hell or keep him from salvation. What do we do now? Well, we rebuke, admonish, correct or exhort him of course, but is it really that simple?

WHAT IT MEANS TO REBUKE, ADMONISH AND EXHORT

It seems to me, many of us really don’t know what these terms mean. I know for a long time I just thought rebuke was a harsh scolding involving shaming. I also didn’t know the difference between the word rebuke and any other terms for correction. But what is interesting, we find the words mean so much more if not something completely different. Let’s take a look at the definitions:

• Rebuke- epitimáō: warning by instruction to prevent something from going wrong

• Rebuke- elégxō: to convince with solid, compelling evidence, especially to expose (prove wrong, connect).

• Exhort- parakaleó: to call to or encourage

• Admonish- noutheteó: admonish through instruction, especially appealing to the mind by supplying doctrinal and spiritual substance (content). This "exerts positive pressure" on someone's logic.

Conclusively, we find there is no real evidence to rebuke a person with harsh words, insults or shame, but instead we are told to warn, convince, expose, call out to, encourage, instruct, supply and exert positive pressure.

Ephesians 4:29- Let NO FOUL or POLLUTING LANGUAGE, nor EVIL WORD nor UNWHOLESOME OR WORTHLESS TALK [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is GOOD AND BENEFICIAL TO THE SPIRITUAL PROGRESS OF OTHERS, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give GRACE (God’s favor) to those who hear it.

AUTHORITY TO REBUKE

God has given us the ABILITY to rebuke (in regards to the actual definitions) and the AUTHORITY to do it. If anyone discourages you from doing so, just remember this verse:

Titus 2:15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke (warn) with all authority. LET NO ONE DISREGARD YOU.

THE PURPOSE OF CORRECTION

Everything God has given us is so that we may grow the body of Christ, nothing is for our own use. We must understand that the reason we have the authority to rebuke is so we can bring someone back to Christ. When we chose to live in the flesh, we are not abiding in Christ, and by not abiding in Christ we risk proving we do not have salvation. Of course some of you will say, “Well how can one fall away or lose salvation?” My answer is “Once saved or not” is a very in depth subject that cannot be answered with a simple black and white explanation so I urge you to study out those subjects yourself. For now, let’s just focus carefully on what these verses are stating.

1 John 3:6- No one who ABIDES IN HIM keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has EITHER SEEN HIM OR KNOWN HIM.

John 15:4- ABIDE IN ME, AND I IN YOU. As the branch CANNOT BEAR FRUIT BY ITSELF, unless it abides in the vine, NEITHER CAN YOU, unless you abide in me.

John 15:2- Every branch in me that DOES NOT BEAR FRUIT HE TAKES AWAY, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

Ok, that seems to have some pretty hefty implications. The verses above say that a person who strays away from the truth, through sin, risks not abiding in Christ. By not abiding in Christ, they won’t bear good friuit and therefore face the possibility of being cast out if they do not turn back to God. Yikes. I hope as Christians we would not want anyone to miss out on everlasting life through Christ and instead suffer for eternity. So what do we do? We correct them, and by doing so we show love, because love does not desire anyone perish. Proverbs 27:5- Better is OPEN REBUKE than hidden love. FAITHFUL ARE THE WOUNDS of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

RESPECT YOUR ELDERS

One thing I think is hard to respect is that biblically we should avoid rebuking an elder. It may seem unfair because so many scenarios come to mind where we feel like it would be appropriate to correct someone in the leadership position, but God has a purpose for this. When we do it His way, things remain orderly and without chaos. So what exactly is an elder? Is he just an older man? The Greek word used is “presbýteros”, which means a mature man having seasoned judgment (experience). Paul explains that an elder must be free of blame, live a Godly life and exhibit Godly behaviors.

Titus 1:5- This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 AN ELDER MUST LIVE A BLAMELESS LIFE. HE MUST BE FAITHFUL TO HIS WIFE, AND HIS CHILDREN MUST BE BELIEVERS WHO DON'T HAVE A REPUTATION FOR BEING WILD OR REBELLIOUS. 7 For an overseer (the elder who keeps a watch over God’s flock), as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and ALSO TO REBUKE THOSE WHO CONTRADICT IT.

The Elders have a huge responsibility on their shoulders and they are held to much higher standards than most. As overseers of the flock they have a role to protect the sheep from harm. Part of their job is to make sure any wolves don’t get in and lead the flock astray. It is their job to rebuke the false teachers and those that cause division. Unfortunately, there are elders in the church do very wrong things, but we should seek the council of another person above us and ask them to bring the case the elder’s attention. Elder’s most often have worked very hard doing God’s will and sometimes hasty accusations can adversely affect the ministry.

1 Timothy 5:1- Do not rebuke an elder, but EXHORT (call to or encourage) HIM AS A FATHER, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.

Instead of rebuking, we can instead find a way to encourage them to act in alignment with God’s word. Maybe pick out a positive verse about the issue and call them to emulate that quality. For example, if an elder is caught in a lie, maybe remind them of the verse about how righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right (Proverbs 16:13).

The next verse explains that any accusation against an elder without two or three witnesses should be rejected. But if there is the appropriate amount of witnesses, he must be rebuked in front of everyone as to discourage anyone else for doing the same. So even though elders receive double honor, they also receive a harsher rebuke due to the higher standards they are held to.

1 Timothy 5:17- Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder EXCEPT FROM TWO OR THREE WITNESSES. 20 Those who are sinning REBUKE IN THE PRESENCE OF ALL, that THE REST ALSO MAY FEAR.

ENCOURAGE HEALING

Now that we know not to rebuke an elder, how do we correct a brother and who are they? Brother is not only a term given to a person similar in age and experience, but a fellow BELIVER. Now the bible says that as the body of Christ we are one and we should walk in unity. Just think about it, if you had a cut on your finger that risked infection, would you just pour lemon juice on it and chop it off immediately? No. You would do everything you could to encourage healing; you would tenderly care for it, clean it and bandage it. You continue to wash it and change the dressing day after day till it healed. In the same way, I feel that is how we should treat others who are a part of our body, with tenderness, patience and care.

Ephesians 4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all HUMILITY and GENTLENESS, with PATIENCE, PERSIST with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the UNITY of the Spirit in the BOND OF PEACE. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Galatians 6:1-BROTHERS, even if a MAN is caught in any sin, YOU WHO ARE SPIRITUAL, restore (prepare, equip, make them what they ought to be) SUCH A ONE in a spirit of GENTLENESS; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Remember, Christ was able to experience firsthand suffering and temptation, and because of that, He has compassion. That compassion enables him to deal gently with those who are not in the truth. Since we are to emulate Christ, we should look to his examples as our guide. Hebrews 5:2- He (Christ, our high priest) is able to DEAL GENTLY with those who are IGNORANT and are GOING ASTRAY (deceived Christians), since he HIMSELF is subject to weakness. Matthew 9:36- When he saw the crowds, he had COMPASSION on them, because they were HARASSED AND HELPLESS, like sheep without a shepherd.

GOD IS PATIENT WITH US

So let’s say this sin has become a serious habit or a perpetual behavior. What now? Well since God is patient with us, He allows us many opportunities to come back to Him, each with an increasingly harder form of rebuke.

2 Peter 3:9- The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, but He is EXTRAORDINARILY PATIENT toward you, NOT DESIRING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, but that all should TURN TO REPENTANCE.

PLEASE STEP AWAY FROM THE LEDGE MY FRIEND

Now we see this brother wandering dangerously close to the edge, what do we do? Would it be love to let him jump off? No! We instead firmly command and urge him to back away and run back to safety. By doing so we save him from death!!! This is how we should handle those that have backslid away from God. James 5:19 BRETHREN, if anyone AMONG YOU (a brother also) wanders FROM THE TRUTH, and someone TURNS HIM BACK, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will SAVE A SOUL FROM DEATH and cover a multitude of sins.

Does this just apply to believers? No, I find that in 2 Timothy 2, we find Paul is making a distinction between approved and disapproved workers. He is commanding us once again to be gentle and humble when correcting someone, the unsaved are no different. The key sentence in this verse is “THOSE WHO ARE IN OPPOSTION”, which means those who are against God. Verse 25 clarifies and says that by correcting an unbeliever in a spirit of gentleness (refraining from disputing or quarreling), we might possibly lead them to the truth which is salvation, thus snatching them from the devil.

2 Timothy 2:23 But AVOID FOOLISH AND IGNORANT DISPUTES, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be GENTLE to all, able to teach, PATIENT, 25 in HUMILITY correcting those WHO ARE IN OPPOSITION, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, SO THAT THEY MAY KNOW THE TRUTH (which sets free), 26 and that they may COME TO THEIR SENSES and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

2 Timothy 4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke (convince), and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

PROPER STEPS FOR CORRECTING A BROTHER IN SIN

When a person is continually in sin, there are warnings we can give them and steps to take to allow them time to repent. Since God is who we should try to emulate, we should handle the situation as He would. Throughout the Bible, God gives warnings to those in rebellion and when they refuse to repent, He turns away from them. There are some great verses that show us how we should react in these situations. Lets take a look:

Matthew 18:15-“If your brother sins among you, go and tell him his fault (convince of wrong), BETWEEN YOU AND HIM ALONE. If he listens to you, you have GAINED your brother. But if he does not listen, take ONE OR TWO OTHERS along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, TELL IT TO THE CHURCH. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a GENTILE AND A TAX COLLECTOR.

So how do we handle a BELIVER who is sinning? 1. Tell him privately between you and him of how he is sinning

2. If he listens, great! Stop there J 3. If not, take one or two more people so that they can also confirm he is sinning and you aren’t seeing things the wrong way.

4. If he still refuses, bring the charge in front of the whole church, whether that be a group of believers or an actual congregation, and let them show him his error.

5. And if he continues to this point, have nothing more to do with him by refusing to have fellowship.

CORRECTING HERETICS

Now, when we have a person who is intentionally causing strife and division by arguing about God’s word and bringing in false teachings, we should follow slightly different steps.

Titus 3:10- As for a facetious person (specializing in half-truths and misimpressions "to win others over" to their personal opinion) who STIRS UP DIVISION, after warning him (through teaching) ONCE AND THEN TWICE, HAVE NOTHING MORE TO DO WITH HIM (avoid or shun), 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

1. Warn him by teaching what the word of God really says.

2. Warn him again what the word of God really says.

3. Refuse to have anything to do with him.

Proverbs 26:4 -Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him. 5 If you answer a fool according to his folly, he will be wise in his own eyes.

This means you do not quarrel with them. I know I have been guilty of this many times. When we do this, we are operating in pride, selfishness and disobedience to God’s word. It doesn’t matter if they admit you are right, it is not worth it to have the last word and it certainly is not to anyone’s benefit to find ways to make yourself look better through insults. Let’s not get sucked into their sin by responding likewise.

These types of people are very sneaky and we really need to be careful, because this isn’t an issue of sin as much as it is an issue of deceiving people and leading them astray. For those of us who are stronger in our walk with God (specifically elders), we will be able to see quickly their wicked ways. It is our duty to protect the flock by making sure their deception doesn’t spread by rebuking them sharply and silencing them.

2 Timothy 3:1- But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, LOVERS OF PLEASURE RATHER THAN LOVERS OF GOD,5 HAVING THE APPEARANCE OF GODLINESS, BUT DENYING ITS POWER. AVOID SUCH PEOPLE.6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 ALWAYS LEARNING AND NEVER ABLE TO ARRIVE AT A KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses (Pharaoh’s magicians who did false signs and wonders), so these men also OPPOSE THE TRUTH, MEN CORRUPTED IN MIND AND DISQUALIFIED regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.

Titus 1:10- For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They MUST BE SILENCED, since they are upsetting whole families BY TEACHING FOR SHAMEFUL GAIN WHAT THEY OUGHT NOT TO TEACH. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore REBUKE THEM SHARPLY, THAT THEY MAY BE SOUND IN THE FAITH, 14 not devoting themselves to jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 THEY PROFESS TO KNOW GOD, BUT THEY DENY HIM BY THEIR WORKS. They are DETESTABLE, DISOBEDIENT, UNFIT FOR ANY GOOD WORK.

PUT OUT THE LEAVEN FROM AMONG YOU

The Bible says many times that we should not keep company with Christians who continue to insist on walking in sin. So why should we not associate with a person who doesn’t heed correction? Well the Bible says a little leaven leavens the whole lump, meaning, when you mix a little bit of something in something bigger, it affects the whole thing. I feel that if we would have followed God’s advice from the get go, we wouldn’t have so many false teachings, lawlessness, hatred, division and strife that is in the body of Christ and churches today. Unfortunately we like to do it our way and in the process we have ultimately become defiled ourselves. If we really understood the importance of staying pure, we would be more careful to follow God’s advice.

1 Corinthians 5:1- It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! 2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed MIGHT BE TAKEN AWAY FROM AMONG YOU. 3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 DELIVER SUCH A ONE TO SATAN FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF THE FLESH, that HIS SPIRIT MAY BE SAVED IN THE DAY OF THE LORD JESUS. 6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a LITTLE LEAVEN LEAVENS THE WHOLE LUMP? 7 Therefore PURGE OUT THE OLD LEAVEN, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast (communion or fellowship with Christ), not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Paul clarifies at the end of this next verse, that even though we should avoid a brother who does not walk according to the teachings of God’s word, we should not be angry at or hostile towards him. Those who continue to live in sin may frustrate us, but we still need to act in patience in gentleness and warn that person as you would a fellow believer. The purpose of putting a brother from among you is to allow the enemy to wreak havoc in his life so that he might take notice and realize the severity of his sin and turn back to Christ in repentance. By doing so, we ultimately save his soul from the fire.

2 Thessalonians 3:6- But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you WITHDRAW (avoid) from every BROTHER who walks DISORDERLY AND NOT ACCORDING TO THE TRADITION (insubordinate to God's Word and hence fruitless) which he received from us….. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we COMMAND AND EXHORT (encourage) through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, NOTE THAT PERSON AND DO NOT KEEP COMPANY WITH HIM, that he may BE ASHAMED (respectfully realize his actions). 15 Yet DO NOT COUNT HIM AS AN ENEMY (be hostile to), but ADMONISH (warn) HIM AS A BROTHER.

DO NOT BE UNEQUALLY YOKED

Now I know some of you are asking, “What about unbelievers that go to our church; should we make them leave?” or “What about unbelievers in our daily lives; should we never talk to them?” Well this verse below explains we are not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. Keep in mind, not at any point is Paul suggesting we kick people out of church buildings. The word church in the Bible was translated from the Greek word “ekklēsía” which means people called out from the world, to God and into His eternal kingdom; this is the church that must remain separate. The church buildings of today are where people go to hear the word of God and get healed. Back then it was called a synagogue (which means congregation) and the only people that got thrown out were Jesus himself and true believers. At no point do I think we should hinder unbelievers as long as they are not participating in influential positions. Jesus never stopped unbelievers, heretics, Pharisees, prostitutes, tax collectors, etc. from coming and hearing the gospel or getting healing and neither should we.

2 Corinthians 6:14- DO NOT BE UNEQUALLY YOKED (working as one for the same purpose) TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS. For what fellowship (communion) has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” 17 Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN, AND I WILL RECEIVE YOU.” Once again Paul is explaining that he is not talking about unbelievers outside the church, but those in the body of Christ who claim to be a believer and live a completely opposite life. 1 Corinthians 5:9- I wrote to you in my epistle NOT TO KEEP COMPANY WITH SEXUALLY IMMORAL PEOPLE. 10 Yet I certainly DID NOT MEAN WITH THE SEXUALLY IMMORAL PEOPLE OF THIS WORLD, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then YOU WOULD NEED TO GO OUT OF THE WORLD. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with ANYONE NAMED A BROTHER, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—NOT EVEN TO EAT WITH SUCH A PERSON. 12 For WHAT HAVE I TO DO WITH JUDGING THOSE ALSO WHO ARE OUTSIDE? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But THOSE WHO ARE OUTSIDE GOD JUDGES. Therefore “PUT AWAY FROM YOURSELVES THE EVIL PERSON.

FORGIVE THE OFFENDER

Finally, if anyone comes to us in repentance and asks for forgiveness, regardless of their sin, we are to forgive them. Paul instructs us to rebuke but tells us there comes a point when they have endured so much punishment that it may be more destructive rather than constructive, and if we don’t go to them and comfort them they may become discouraged. Remember the point to rebuke and correction is to bring them back to Christ so they can be cleansed and therefore righteous. The goal is ultimately have fellowship with them again not force them permanently into the arms of the enemy. When he has seen his error, we do not continue to shun him, but instead lovingly welcome him with open arms and comfort. The prodigal son is a great parable to give you a visual of how we should treat someone who has turned from heir backsliding ways and into God’s presence. The enemy loves it when we have division and contempt, so let’s not let him use another’s folly as an opportunity to cause us to sin.

2 Corinthians 2:5- If anyone has caused pain, he has caused pain not so much to me but to some degree--not to exaggerate--to all of you. 6 THE PUNISHMENT BY THE MAJORITY IS SEVERE ENOUGH FOR SUCH A MAN. Now, however, IT IS TIME TO FORGIVE AND COMFORT HIM. Otherwise he may BE OVERCOME BY DISCOURAGEMENT. 8 Therefore I urge you to REAFFIRM YOUR LOVE TO HIM. 9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. 10 When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so in the presence of Christ for your benefit, 11 LEST SATAN SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF US; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

So how many times should we forgive the offender? Well how many times do you want to be forgiven? We know that we only are forgiven if we forgive; therefore it is wise to do it every time. It isn’t even an option, but a command in the Bible. We MUST forgive. Of course we can chose not to, but then we are choosing death and punishment for ourselves.

Luke 17:3- Pay attention to yourselves! IF YOUR BROTHER SINS, REBUKE HIM, AND IF HE REPENTS, FORGIVE HIM, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ YOU MUST FORGIVE HIM.”

Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Remember, we are rebuking in love. We must emulate these qualities when we rebuke and when someone hurts us; anything outside of that is not of God.

1 Corinthians 13:4- Love is PATIENT, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does NOT DISHONOR OTHERS (insult), it is not selfish, it is NOT EASILY ANGERED, it keeps NO RECORD OF WRONGS. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It protects all things, it has faith in all things, hopes for all things, bears (burdens) all things.

Now don’t get it confused; forgiveness does NOT mean allowing someone to perpetually harm you or abuse you. That falls under someone continuing in their sin and we learned earlier we are commanded to avoid this person. Biblically it is appropriate to remove yourself from the relationship of someone that continues to hurt you. This includes spouses and family. Separation (not talking divorce here) from them is a very powerful tool to allow Christ to change their hearts and draw them to repentance.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion:

• Use the word of God to correct someone.

• Think before you speak and examine yourself.

• Don’t be a hypocrite.

• Overlook offense.

• If you can’t overlook it, go and tell them so you don’t become bitter.

• Rebuke does not mean yelling, insulting, cursing or crude language.

• Don’t rebuke elders.

• Rebuke out of love, gentleness and humility.

• Have patience with stumbling Christians and take the appropriate steps to restore them to the faith.

• Avoid heretics. Protect the flock and rebuke them sharply.

• Put a man who insists on sin from among you in order not to become defiled along with him.

• Never turn someone away from a church building but keep the body of Christ pure.

• If they repent, forgive them as many times they ask and comfort them when they come back.

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