The discipline exercised by an assembly of God should be a picture of our heavenly Father's character.
A sober mind, a tender heart, a watchful spirit, should mark those who put away the evil doer.
All God's corrections and judgments are designed to bring repentance. So likewise any censure pronounced by an assembly of saints, while manifestly righteous, should be as a medicine to restore, that the spirit may be saved in the day of Christ. (1 Cor. 5:55To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (1 Corinthians 5:5))
In how many instances, alas! Where sharp or bitter reproof is given, heavenly wisdom would deal in tender-hearted counsel and admonition.
Let us imitate our Lord in His pity toward those who have erred from His way; thus we best discountenance their sins and help them to make the confession that obtains forgiveness from God.
The love of Christ filling our hearts, we shall be keen-sighted to discern, whether in ourselves or others, whatsoever pleases not the Lord. This love, and this love only, will enable us to maintain the order and discipline of the house of God, so as to be approved by the Son of God, the Lord of His own house. We shall thereby, while observing the laws of Christ as to offending brethren, be raised above the fear of man that bringeth a snare; and, what is higher still, be free of false love, which spares the rod when God would have us smite.
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