One of my best friends was disfellowshiped a while back for destructive teachings. He was very divisive, and was warned several times (Titus 3:10) and then asked to leave. The harm he did to me and to those in my ministry was very great, and many Christians' faith turned cold as a result. Well, this guy is back now, and he wants to return to the fellowship. I am in a quandary about this. In my heart I'm torn; he's still a friend, but I just don't feel safe around him. It is hard to describe the feelings and fears I have of his returning. Should he be allowed back in? -- Kine
Biblically, even a "wolf" can return to the flock if his heart is right. Wasn't the apostle Paul an example of this--someone who had done great harm to the flock, and who the disciples could scarcely believe had the capacity to repent (Acts 9:21, 26-27)? There are really two separate issues here: the brother's repentance, and your constellation of feels about his return. Let us now address the second issue. If you do not feel safe, wouldn't common sense dictate that you should keep your distance? We are not obligated to build equally close relationships to everyone in the body; we all must make choices. If the fellowship is so small and you see him so often that it is not possible to keep distance, then perhaps in the Lord's providence one or the other of you will eventually move to another city and congregation. I would seek further advice from members of your local church whom you respect.
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