Failure to Discipline

Too often the church has failed to discipline its members who are living in direct disobedience to God's commands. That is one of the most unloving things the church can do. And rebellion against God's commands is, as Paul says, highly contagious. Too often the church has failed to embrace with open arms the repentant church member who is eager to return to the community of love they were separated from. That is disobedience--a lack of forgiveness. It endangers the spiritual healing of the prodigal and the spiritual health of the church. How healthy can a church body be that refuses to love? Discipline and forgiveness are the love of God in action.