SIGNS OF A TURNED HEART continued. 12c. YOU WILL HAVE A COMPASSIONATE HEART continued.

However, there are some sins that require more drastic measures of discipline. This is to provide protection for the family and to help the offender understand the seriousness of his/her actions of sin and rebellion. The offender should be given clear understanding that mercy and forgiveness are lovingly offered based on sorrowful repentance.

The advice Paul wrote concerning the serious fornicator in 1 Corinthians 5:1-9 regarding his removal from the church family has similar application to the individual family. His being removed from the church with the purpose that his spirit would “be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” was effective to bring this man to compete repentance and ultimate restoration to the church family (2 Corinthians 2:6-11).

All such actions should only be done in the spirit of meekness and in the fear of God.

The parable of the prodigal son would not have ended with the beautiful repentance and father’s forgiveness if the father had forbidden his rebellious son to leave home. The father’s home would never have been the peaceful, righteous, godly atmosphere as previously if the rebellion was overlooked and tolerated.

The rebellious son would never have come to his senses, with repentance and godly sorrow, if he had been encouraged to remain at home in his rebellion.

The mercy, love, and forgiveness displayed by the father who ran towards his repentant homecoming son would not have happened.

Tolerance toward evil never helps to get rid of it!

However, the father never hardened his heart against his son. He watched and watched and waited for his return.

Herein lies the wisdom of God in the dealing with a rebellious son or daughter.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell