Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Painful realization

I'm between a rock and hard place- here's a couple verses from by bible study today that are just in time.
Galatians 6:1-3
"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself."

1 Timothy 5:19-20
"Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning."

So have you ever had to admonish or rebuke a fellow Christian? What about a Christian family member? I have had this horrible feeling all day and I know it's no coincidence that these verses were brought to my attention today. Now, what do I do? Our president of the Baptist General Conference, Jerry Sheveland is the author of our bible study, Fire and Reign. This topic of how healthy churches address sin with honesty and grace is a little uncomfortable to say the least. The thought is that the situation is not kept behind closed doors, but that the congregation is aware and part of restoring the person. He's not suggesting that all details are revealed, but that hidden sin should be addressed. So here's the dilemma. Someone I know, who is a Sunday school teacher has a very different life. So obviously as a leader of our church, this should be addressed. It's just not in my comfort zone and yet part of my growth as a Christian is going to be challenged with putting myself before God and not pleasing man. We all sin, that's not the issue- it's the sin that continually happens and also affects other members of the body. So I know I am being stirred, I just need the right approach and to know the right way to bring it forward in love and not the resentment I feel right now.

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