The "Army" that "Shoots" its "Wounded"

[WISDOM]

No Suzanne, my question was exactly the way I posted it....very simple.  

Now, here's a question I have for you.  Say you knew a person who had given their life to CHRIST.  You had fellowshiped with them for several years and then gradually they slid back into the lifestyle of alcohol, drugs and hanging with the "wrong crowd".  Basically, they left your local church.  Five years past by and you just so happen to run into this person again.  Last you knew the person had fell away from the LORD and turned their back on you/local church.  So you avoid the person.  When he/she tries to talk to you, you become "religious" in your actions, vice Christian.  In other words, you are very "dry" with them.  As a professed Christian, would you consider your actions correct?

What you didn't know was the person had confessed their sins, repented and been recommissioned by our FATHER.  Granted, you don't have a discerning eye to see if the person has a deceitful heart, but then again...that's not your responsibility.  Incidently, I don't ever see where JESUS was a fruit inspector, except with the religious people and the proud. :thumb:

[tsth]

You had fellowshiped with them for several years and then gradually they slid back into the lifestyle of alcohol, drugs and hanging with the "wrong crowd".  

Well Wisdom, my first thought would be, "why didn't we care about him enough back then to deal with the issue?"  How did he "gradually" slip back into it?  If this is someone whom we fellowshipped with, wouldn't we begin praying, and addressing these things with that person at that time?  But...that's beside the point I guess, so, in response to how you state that the scenario is, no, I would not be shunning that person, why would I?  I know how our Lord is in power and might, and I would always view this person as someone who may have gone through refining and change, although as I said before, I'm not sure I really understand the scenario, because as a Christian, the circumstances weren't dealt with in the first place, and I just couldn't see that happening, personally.  I know that God cares for mankind, and I wouldn't assume that he/she were still living a certain way, especially if, I had not had any contact with this person.  That would be presumptuous and arrogant on my part, not to mention unloving.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[Guest Grif]

I agree there are times to break ties with certain people who are no longer living in a fashion befitting christians.  But this break needs to be made after thought and prayer and in self defense not in "this will teach them".  There is a differance.

have fun

[tsth]

Incidently, I don't ever see where JESUS was a fruit inspector, except with the religious people and the proud.  

I am only speaking of how we are to have discernment, Wisdom, according to the Scriptures.

Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.  

In regard to your post as a whole, I would just post these Scriptures to learn from and have understanding:

2 Thessalonians 3:6

Now we command you brethren , in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

2 Thessalonians 3:14

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Ephesians 5:5

For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

Ephesians 5:11

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

1 John 2:19

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

"this will teach them".  There is a differance.

Yes, there is Grif, and I have not promoted such a doctrine, in any of my posts have I?

In His Love,

Suzanne

[Timothy]

I believe that the Holy Ghost who dwells in each of us, offers careful instruction in exactly how we should go about bringing a brother or sister back onto the path. It is however, a personal responsibility to be listening for His wonderful counsel, rather than the counsel of our flesh.

At times, it is necessary to "deliver such an one unto Satan" (1 Cor 5:5), while others we are to "restore such an one in the spirit of meekness" (Gal 6:1)

Whichever way we are led, we know that;

James 5:19-20 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

[tsth]

Yes I agree Timothy, for that is true love, to turn a brother from sin, even if it is uncomfortable to do.

1 Peter 4:7-8  But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."  

In His Love,

Suzanne

[WISDOM]

Suzanne:

I appreciate the honesty in your response.  It goes a long way to reaching out to a brother/sister who has been in a "prodigal" status.

You see, the individual I was identifying......was me. :thumb:

[tsth]

Yes, wisdom, I know.  I am truly sorry that your brothers and sisters did not reach out to you and question what was happening.  But, sometimes it can be an uncomfortable thing to address sin, especially when it is becoming a bondage to a brother or sister in Christ.  That is why we must speak the Truth, before it becomes wrapped around that brother and takes him captive.  I do not dismiss those who did not come to you in truth, I proclaim boldly that, that is what we are afraid to do anymore.  It is uncomfortable and difficult, and to say the least, very humbling, because when we do so, we open ourselves up to ridicule and anger, and who likes that?  But, because we genuinely care for that brother, we should be willing to get yelled at, and abused, for being sincere and truthful towards that person.  If we truly care about our brothers, we will be willing to say what no one else will, and then they will have to reconcile the rest with the Lord, we are simply the messengers, and concerned party.

:inlove:

In His Love,

Suzanne

[WISDOM]

I forgot to mention that my situation occurred approx 20 years ago, so I don't want anyone going and getting the wrong impression!!  I'd been saved for 4 years prior to...... :thumb:

[Guest C.D. Light]

Then who are we to "punish" those anyone for mistakes.