| HANDLING A SINNING CHRISTIAN The discipline of an erring member is almost the hardest task any church can face. Yet sometimes it is absolutely necessary for the sake of the church and for the sake of Christ and even for the one concerned. A key verse is Galatians 6:1: "lf someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual, should restore him gently." Think over those words. The background of this passage is in 1 Corinthians chapter 5. A church member was living with someone who was not his wife. The church was aware of this and had done nothing about it. The outside world knew of it too and was not impressed. Paul wrote telling the church to meet and expel the man from their membership. But the church had not done so. Perhaps they said: "We are broadminded" or "We don't want to hurt our brother". Paul insisted, possibly in a letter which we don't have, that they should do as he said. Finally the church did act as Paul had advised and they expelled the sinning brother. The result was perhaps, unexpected, but encouraging - the man repented! But now that he had done so, the church seemed reluctant to forgive him. They did not realize that the purpose of church discipline is the restoration of the sinning member. What is the ultimate purpose of surgery? It is for the speedy recovery of the patient. What is the ultimate purpose of church discipline? That is for the recovery for Christ and the church with the sinning member. Paul said, "I urge you to reaffirm your love for him." (v.8) Forgive him. Act graciously. Take him back. Those who fail need our love, forgiveness and help. It may take strong action as well. But Proverbs 27:6 says it so well: "Wounds from a friend can be trusted." Read Galatians 6:1 again and let it speak to your heart, before dealing with a friend who has failed. He needs your love most of all. IF YOU, O LORD, KEPT A RECORD OF SINS, O LORD, WHO COULD STAND? (Ps 130:3) | 
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