By Mike Richardson
Synopsis: In a time in which texting has become the standard form of communication, let us recognize the value personal interaction—especially when attempting to restore those who have fallen into sin.
There has been a lot of fallout because of the COVID virus. With so many varying views on the subject, churches have had to deal with the issue carefully and wisely to prevent division. With all that occurred during the corona period, I have noticed that a majority of congregations have experienced a “falling away” of some members who no longer assemble with the saints, as directed in Hebrews 10:25. It is a reminder that many times, the flock is not as strong as we might think. Some of the sheep might need some “special attention.”
What is the responsibility of the elders and members of a local congregation to those who have not returned since the virus began? We need to remember the parables Jesus spoke in Luke 15, in particular, the parable of the “lost sheep” in Luke 15:4-7 and Matthew 18:10-14. We need to leave the ninety and nine and seek the one that is lost. When we think about restoring the fallen, several things come to mind.
So often we forget that elders are to be shepherds of the flock. Think of the words penned by Peter:
The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away (1 Pet. 5:1-4).
The Bible does not describe elders as Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the local work, but as shepherds tending the flock. In ancient Middle-Eastern culture, shepherds took their responsibility seriously. Jesus described the difference between a shepherd and a hireling:
The “hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep” (John 10:12-13).
A shepherd’s job is to watch and care for the sheep. Likewise, this is the job of elders. In many congregations, the elders are given oversight on everything but the souls of the brethren—the very thing they need to be overseeing! Deacons have spiritual qualifications to do a spiritual work, as do elders. Let the deacons do their work and let the elders oversee the spiritual needs of the flock. Remember the admonition of the Hebrew writer, who said, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Heb. 13:17). Elders need to be the first to go and find the fallen member.
Congregations without elders also need to be aware of those who have quit attending. We are to be concerned with those who have fallen away and need to be restored to fellowship with Christ and the local church. So often it is easy to say, “We still have ninety-nine” instead of looking for the one that has strayed.
In Galatians 6:1, The apostle Paul clearly instructs how we should approach someone who has fallen into sin: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” There are several things we need to observe from this text.
It is good for all to encourage individuals who are struggling in the faith, but in dealing directly with one who has fallen, the spiritually mature Christian needs to respond. Such individuals will use Scripture and exercise careful discernment during difficult conversations.
A rebuke without love will only drive a person further away. We must approach others with the same gentleness with which we would want to be approached. The greatest appeal to the fallen is love. Paul identifies the characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians 13. I go to my fallen brother in Christ because I love him and God loves him. I am considering his soul as I would want him to consider mine if I had given in to temptation and fallen away. We go, not seeking to justify their sin, but to bring them back to the flock of safety under the care of the Chief Shepherd, Christ. Here is where we are to be given an important reminder: We are told to go and restore them. I do not think letters warning of withdrawing fellowship will serve any good purpose until one who is spiritually mature has first gone and sought to restore the fallen. So often, congregations wait in silence before firing off a letter stating they are withdrawing from a person who has not been attending. The question is, “Have we sought to restore them?” Picture a wounded soldier down on the battlefield. His “brothers” would not leave him there. They would seek to get him to safety. When it comes to the fallen, there is a brother or sister down. Don’t leave them to the enemy to devour (1 Pet. 5:8) but go and seek to bring them to safety. Sending a letter is easier, but much less effective than going in love to persuade your brother or sister to return.
When we go to restore the fallen, we must remember we are seeking to bring them back to the fold of safety. If they are in error, we lovingly and tenderly point this out so that it can be corrected before God. I plead with brethren, “May we go with the right spirit!” It’s not to win an argument, but to bring one back to God. What has been gained if we win an argument, but lose a soul because we did not approach the situation correctly? We must not compromise or agree with sin, but let us do as Paul said, “considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” How would I want someone to approach me if I was the one that needed to be restored? The first reaction of most people when they are confronted about their sin is to become defensive. That is why I should come gently, humbly, realizing the need. A shepherd that finds the lost sheep doesn’t recklessly and roughly grab the sheep, but tenderly restores it to the flock.
When the fallen are restored, it is important that we rejoice. We encourage, we edify, we express our joy and love that they have returned to the Lord. After the shepherd has found the sheep, Jesus states, “He lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:5-8). Look at all the rejoicing! If heaven rejoices over one sinner who is restored, shouldn’t we also?
Instead of relying upon indirect and impersonal forms of communication, may we recognize the value face-to-face interaction—especially when attempting to restore those who have fallen into sin. Nathan the prophet confronted King David directly. Jesus restored Peter to his apostleship in the same manner. Let us do the same.
