How should we treat members of our church who are living in sin?

1. 68

   Greg Seredaposted 12 years ago

   How should we treat members of our church who are living in sin?

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2. 72

   stanwshuraposted 12 years ago

   Well, you're a believer, right?  So, although I'd be a hypocrite to give this advice, I'd say that if they are members who attend regularly, have faith that God's word will penetrate.  You cannot change anyone (long-term and eventually of free will) but yourself.  I CAN say that with comfort, as that applies whether you subscribe to science/psychology, as I do, or whether you are committed spiritually and believe in God's power.  Either way, their "lifestyle" or "sin" is between them and the Almighty.

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      Tawadiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      My answer was simple, Stanley. Let the pastor handle it. It becomes a non-issue, hopefully, and reduces gossip. No, I did not agree with your answer. That happens sometimes whether you like it or not.

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   2. 72

      stanwshuraposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Nice attempt to "segue the sin".  I have no problem with someone disabreeing with me.  But when they THEMSELVES take umbrage and then start hub-stalking to leave derisive commentary, that's just ridiculous.

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   3. 0

      Tawadiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hub-stalking? I made one comment on one of your hubs that you didn't even allow to post. Believe me I won't be back. You complain about no free speech in a hub then you don't allow comments. Wow, that's hypocritical.

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   4. 72

      stanwshuraposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I'm not the government.  And your derisive comment could poison my hub and reduce its earning potential.  Not hypocritical at all, grasshopper, as I am a private citizen.  Better read up on civics & th fndmntl fnct of govt.  My hub - my call.

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   5. 0

      Tawadiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Fair enough, Stanley. But you should take down your hubs screaming about fairness and free speech. Obviously, neither mean much to you.

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   6. 72

      stanwshuraposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Obviously you weren't listening, or quite beligerently choose not to do so.  You're fair to MOCK a respectful post as pie in the sky, & leave an opaquely critical snit, UNRELATED to th HUB?  You shouted fire in a crowd.  PKB!  You cry unfair?  U-

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   7. 0

      Tawadiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You're a good one to accuse someone of mocking, Stanley, and there was no belligerence. When I listen, I do so to those who are worthy. Obviously, you are not no matter how highly you think of yourself. Others do not.

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   8. 72

      stanwshuraposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, dear God.  Doctor heal thyself.  You are BARELY arguing above the "I know you arre but what am I".
      
      You screwed up.  OWN IT.

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      Tawadiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Others shall decide, Stanley. I'm done with you.

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3. 0

   Tawadiposted 12 years ago

   Rather than the pie-in-the-sky answer, perhaps it would be best for the pastor to address any problem(s) directly with the member(s) in private. Anything said should be kept between him and the member(s).

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   1. 72

      stanwshuraposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Pie in the sky, huh?  To the faithful, I'd think your dismissal of an answer that, OUT OF RESPECT for others' values, turns to God as "pie in the sky" to be rather insulting.
      
      Alas, to your snit at my hub, yes, I feel re blowhards as I do re fakes.

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4. 59

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   One can love the sinner but hate the sin. Why treat them any differently?  God is in charge and he knows what's going on.

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   1. 68

      Greg Seredaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Short and to the point.

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5. 70

   Darrell Robertsposted 12 years ago

   Love them as a spiritual being and pray for them, so they may over come the challenges that they face.  Find their good qualities and help them by being a friend. 
   
   Personally I think that working on being the best example possible for what ever faith you practice is always the best method. If you are not perfect in your faith then I would not worry too much about who is living in sin.  I would focus on me not living in sin or making offenses. 
   
   Best wishes.

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   1. 68

      Greg Seredaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I like your answer.

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6. 59

   Amberjewellposted 12 years ago

   The bible says to speak the truth in love.  Ephesians 4:15. But it also says we must evalutate our own life before we correct another for theirs. People don't get convicted from hypocracy. Matthew 7:3. Depending on the sin, It also says that if a brother is living in willful sin, to have nothing to do with him to shame him. Titus 10:3-7. Galatians 6:1 says to restore your brother gently but to be cautious that your not tempted.
   
   We love the person, not the sin. We accept them keeping in mind that the church is a hospital for sinners. They are there because they obviously need to be. Prayer and love are our best weapons I believe.

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   1. 68

      Greg Seredaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Sage advice.

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7. 60

   Samkoskeiposted 12 years ago

   First,we have to know that we are also sinners,but saved by grace alone(all are fallen short of glory of God).We have to grow in love of Christ,and faith because it is impossible to have relationship with God without it.This faith comes by hearing the word of God alone.Studying the word of God regularly ,and walking with Him daily,we become strong in Him.This strength enable us to help those who are weak(sinners).
   Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ(Ephesians 4:15)
   
   We have help and be patient with them(1Thessalonians 5:14).We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the  weak,and not to please ourselves(Romans 15:1).

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   1. 68

      Greg Seredaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Very biblical and wise answer. I like it! Thank you!

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   Saved by Jesusposted 12 years ago

   Well, it teaches in the Bible that we are to go to them and explain to them that what they are doing is wrong.  If they still continue, then we are to bring in one or two witnesses to speak to them.  If that does not work, then we are to take them before the church council (go to the pastor).  If that does not work, we are to remove their membership from the church and treat them as an unbeliever.    Those things would certainly be easier to do in a small congregation where everyone knows each other, but much harder to keep up with in some of these huge churches.

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   1. 64

      X-Conposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I remember reading something about that in the gospel.

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9. 60

   ReneeDC1979posted 12 years ago

   Treat them the same way you treat nonmembers of your church, with love just as you want to be treated

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