Church Discipline (Part 4)

1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load. (Galatians 6:1-5)

This is another key passage when it comes to church discipline. Although it does not outline specific steps to take in conducting the discipline, it very clearly illustrates the heart of the matter. We are to share and bear the burdens of the brother overtaken in trespasses. And we are to do so in a spirt of gentleness and humility.

I'm not sure which is harder being humble or being gentle? Then compound that situation in trying to restore someone who is in sin, and may not be able to clearly see his error that is so apprent to others. We think: "How could this brother be so blind to his own sin? It is so clear! Why can't he see it!?" What is it about deception that makes it so hard to see the truth?

The longer the discipline process the more difficult it becomes for those who are spiritual to remain gentle and humble. They may become beligerant and hostile if the brother in sin refuses to admit that his spiritual brothers are in the right. It is almost as if their pride has been injurred, and the situation becomes one of "I'm right and your wrong, and you have to say so!" The spiritual appeal to their position of authority over the fallen brother, and now add more charges against the fallen. Failure to heed authority. In other words: "Failure to do as I say!"

The process may quickly turn into an assault against the fallen brother. He is no longer viewed as a brother who has fallen, but as a brother who is also in rebellion to authority. If the fallen brother fails to acknowledge the authority of the spiritual ones, and refuses their restoration or offer to repent, it is viewed as a serious slap in the face. The process becomes personal, and now the spiritual are on a slippery slope that may lead to their own transgression.

This is the reason why the charge to restore comes with a warning. Because so many times we are so quick to make restoration and discipline a personal issue, that we can lose sight of the purpose. The purpose is always to restore the fallen brother. But if we do not keep our own spirits in check we may find ourselves being the one that is in need of restoration.