Looking through scripture regarding those in the Church or a forum who cause strife and bitterness, I came across the following:
2Th 3:14. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.
2Th 3:15. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
It is a bit hard to manage 'shunning' a member of your local church group without regarding him/her as an enemy.
Take for example this forum; we have the option to 'ignore' a nominated member by clicking on the appropriate area of that member's profile. That is probably not the best idea as it becomes merely a personal vendetta and not a Church community (forum) action.......but perhaps I digress.
Should we take Paul's words to apply only to that letter, or should we see a wider application.
How can we, on the one hand shun a person and on the other hand not regard that person as an enemy?
1Cor 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife.
1Cor 5:2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
and the happily ever after,:::?
2Cor 2:5 Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you.
2Cor 2:6 For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough,
2Cor 2:7 so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
2Cor 2:8 So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.
2Th 3:14. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.
2Th 3:15. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
It is a bit hard to manage 'shunning' a member of your local church group without regarding him/her as an enemy.
Take for example this forum; we have the option to 'ignore' a nominated member by clicking on the appropriate area of that member's profile. That is probably not the best idea as it becomes merely a personal vendetta and not a Church community (forum) action.......but perhaps I digress.
Should we take Paul's words to apply only to that letter, or should we see a wider application.
How can we, on the one hand shun a person and on the other hand not regard that person as an enemy?
1Cor 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife.
1Cor 5:2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
and the happily ever after,:::?
2Cor 2:5 Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure—not to put it too severely—to all of you.
2Cor 2:6 For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough,
2Cor 2:7 so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.
2Cor 2:8 So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.