"For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good." 2 Thess 3:11-13
In order for the local body of Christ to work as it is designed, everyone must do their part. It is easy to mark those who are more interested in sowing seeds of discord than doing the work of the Lord. Everyone knows who the "troublemakers" are. The question is, what are we to do with such brethren?
We must first and always love our brothers and sisters in Christ, despite their actions. Know that it is some times necessary for love to be tough. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy." Prov 27:66. We must reprove, rebuke and exhort when there are those of our number who are acting outside of what is best for the body and for themselves according to the word of the Lord.
Suppose tough love does not have the desired effect? If their behavior involves immorality, covetousness, idolatry, drunkenness, swindling or gossiping, we are instructed to refrain from associating with such "so called brethren" according to 1 Cor 5:11 Let it be known, however, that this is to cause them to repent and return due to the discomfort of isolation and the error of their ways.
Beloved, we are often very hesitant to employ church discipline. We must understand that it is called for by God and very beneficial to the health of the body. Just as He chastens us because He loves us, we must do likewise. It is said that a little yeast causes the whole lump of dough to rise. This implies that it takes a very small amount of sin and bad behavior to negatively impact the entirety of the body. Let us be sure to employ love and discipline when and where needed for the overall health of the body.
Loving Like Jesus,
Lee
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