The Boot or the Embrace

A Christian College professor caught confesses to an affair and is immediately fired from his job.

A preacher or youth minister is caught in public drunkenness, and the elders dismiss him. An example

must be made, the congregation or the organization must be protected, and sin must be punished. At

least in my experience, this is the typical mindset we have within the body of Christ. When sin occurs in

the lives of those in public it seems our attitude is to cut and run, minimize our exposure, make sure that

we look like we are “handling the situation” and the sinner must pay for both the sin and any possible

reproach on church.

The above scenarios are similar to events we all have witnessed over the years. And perhaps you

are thinking that seems appropriate, but is it? Consider David who committed adultery and murder who

was permitted to continue to reign. Yes, God punished him by taking his child, but he continued to be

both a ruler and a spiritual leader in Israel. Samson had a lust for women and a raging temper, but he

was used to free Israel from the rule of the Philistines. What about Paul, the chief of sinners, chosen by

the Lord to serve as an Apostle and author of much of our New Testament. Why is it we kick those who

fall to the curb? Why do we insist that our visible leaders must be above all reproach and without visible

sin?

The answer is two-fold. I believe in some cases we are more concerned about public

appearances than about the spiritual condition of those in public leadership. This leads us to believe that

we must make a public example of those who fall. Secondly, I believe we have developed a mentality

that we are the purveyors of punishment rather than sinners who need forgiveness ourselves. I believe

that the message of Scripture tells us that we must revise our attitude and practice.

One of the many resounding messages of the Bible, particularly the New Testament, is that God

gives and we need forgiveness. We are told that unless we forgive in this life we will not be forgiven in

judgment (Matthew 6: 12, 14). We are told to have endless forgiveness for those who, though weak, are
trying (Matthew 18:21-22). Our job is not punishment but lifting up, restoring, and bearing the burdens

of those who fail (Galatians 6:1-2).

As you read this, you may be saying but what about image, reputation, and public sin and

reproach that leaders in particular can bring upon the Body of Christ? Which image is more Christ-like?

One that condemns, punishes, and rejects the penitent sinner or one that consoles, uplifts, and forgives

(John 8:1-11).

I believe it is truly more biblical for leaders who sin to be retained, taken care of, and up lifted

when repenting of sin. I envision a scenario where a preacher who has committed adultery (for example)

is wrapped in love and forgiveness, given four to six months leave with pay to work on mending his

marriage if needed, provide counseling if needed, and an eldership that sets the tone for forgiveness

and his return to his responsibilities.

As Christ’s body I think we should act like the Head (Ephesians 1:22-23).

Larry W. Redmond, lwredmond@yahoo.com