“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.” – Matthew 18:15
Restoration Through Correction
When we talk about church discipline, the first thing to recognize is that it always aims for restoration. We are called to gently restore our brothers and sisters when they stray. This is about love and care for one another. Jesus outlined a clear way to approach someone who has sinned against us. When we follow this guidance, we hope to bring the individual back into right fellowship with God and the community. This is not an act of condemnation but an effort to maintain unity within the body of Christ. By approaching our friends in love and honesty, we can ultimately help them find their way back to the light.
Galatians 6:1
“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.” – Galatians 6:1
2 Timothy 3:16
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16
Proverbs 27:5
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” – Proverbs 27:5
James 5:19-20
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” – James 5:19-20
Luke 17:3
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.” – Luke 17:3
The Purpose of Church Discipline
The discipline we practice in the church isn’t about punishment; it’s about spiritual health and growth. The intention is to draw individuals closer to God while protecting the integrity of our community. By making it clear that there are expectations of holiness and moral living, we uphold the church’s values. God desires for us to live in alignment with His teachings, and discipline can serve as a wake-up call. As a loving community, we remind each other of our commitments and encourage each other to walk a path that honors God.
Ephesians 4:15
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15
1 Corinthians 5:5
“Hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 5:5
Hebrews 12:6
“Because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” – Hebrews 12:6
2 Thessalonians 3:14
“Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:14
Matthew 18:17
“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.” – Matthew 18:17
The Role of Leaders in Discipline
Leaders within the church are given a sacred responsibility to guide and correct through church discipline. We, as church leaders, are equipped to handle situations with wisdom and care. It’s essential for us to lead with integrity and ensure that our actions reflect the heart of God. By addressing issues within the community, we can set an example for others to follow. Just as Jesus taught, our goal is to offer loving correction that encourages everyone to remain faithful to God’s Word.
1 Timothy 5:20
“But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.” – 1 Timothy 5:20
Titus 1:13
“This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith.” – Titus 1:13
Acts 20:28
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” – Acts 20:28
James 3:1
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” – James 3:1
1 Peter 5:2
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be.” – 1 Peter 5:2
Accountability in the Community
Accountability is a significant aspect of church discipline. We are reminded that we are not alone in our walk with Christ. Having trusted friends who can hold us accountable helps us to grow in our faith and in our daily lives. When we share our struggles and victories, we create an environment where honesty and transparency flourish. This encourages us to pursue righteousness together, ensuring that we can support one another in times of difficulty.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Proverbs 15:22
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Proverbs 15:22
Galatians 5:26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” – Galatians 5:26
The Importance of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is central to the concept of church discipline. We are repeatedly urged to forgive one another, just as God forgives us. Church discipline is not complete without the component of grace. After repentance, the goal is to restore relationships and bring healing. We have all made mistakes, and God’s mercy reminds us that we can also offer mercy to others in the community. By doing so, we create an environment marked by love and acceptance.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Unity in the Church
Ultimately, the goal of church discipline is to promote unity. We are all called to be one body in Christ, striving for holiness and truth together. Although it might seem challenging at times, pursuing unity is a reflection of our love for God and each other. Church discipline, when carried out with care and compassion, helps us maintain a healthy and vibrant community. Together, we can strive toward the lofty calling that God has placed upon us as His people.
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Philippians 2:2
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” – Philippians 2:2
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” – Romans 12:16
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” – 1 Peter 3:8
Final Thoughts
Throughout the Bible, we learn that church discipline is about love, growth, and unity. It’s a process meant to restore those who have lost their way while keeping the community healthy. We see that correction serves a healing purpose, guiding us back to a right relationship with God and each other. Each verse reminds us of our responsibility to care for one another, to forgive, and to strive for unity.
In our conversations and practices, we need to cultivate an environment of support and grace, recognizing that we all fall short. Through the guidance we find in Scripture, we can lovingly guide one another towards spiritual maturity and a more profound understanding of our faith.
If you’re interested in exploring more topics, consider reading about pastors being shepherds or how to deal with criticizing others.