“I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?” (1 Corinthians 5:5-6)
Pay attention carefully, for this is the purpose of all shunning and excommunicating of members. Some have thought that no matter what, we are to tolerate bad behavior. There comes a time and place where one is separated out but only for the express purpose that whatever they are doing may run its course until they reach the end of themselves and turn to the Lord. We are to always seek for repentance.
Lord, I do not want to confront and often ignore bad behavior. Help me, O Lord, to see that I too have my part. I am not the judge, you are, but I do know bad behavior when I see it. I also know when there is no repentance. First, help me to willingly repent of my sins and second, help me to be bold when another is destructive to the fellowship that I may be one who confronts bad behavior.
Lord Jesus, You are the only One who perfectly walked this earth. Help me to follow Your example in loving all whom I meet and understanding that the objective is salvation. Lead me, O Lord, in the way of truth that I would be quick to repent, quick to forgive, and always loving of all whom I meet. Guide me in all of Your ways, Lord, that I would become more like You each day. Amen.
