THE PROCESS OF RESTORATION
Confrontation is absolutely necessary to a scriptural process of correction and restoration. When there has been a profound betrayal of trust, there must be a willingness to lovingly confront. We cannot afford to pass lightly over the import issues of confession of wrong, sincere regret, acknowledgment of the need for forgiveness, a desire to change, and specific steps to begin carrying out that change.
What does the process of restoration look like?
STEP 1: WE MUST LOVE ENOUGH TO TAKE A RISK:
The process will never be easy. It will require the assistance of wise, loving, and courageous people -- people willing to risk getting involved. It also requires that we surrender our will to the timing and work of the Holy Spirit.
STEP 2: WE MUST CARE ENOUGH TO TEST THE HEART:
Sincere forgiveness is a response to the apology of wrongdoers and their longing for a renewed relationship. Healthy forgiveness also involves forsaking all six areas of denial. It acknowledges the wrong and our own natural desire for revenge, and then turns that longing over to God and replaces it with loving concern for what is best for all.
STEP 3: WE MUST BE OBEDIENT ENOUGH TO FOLLOW THE BIBILICAL PATTERN:
When denial in all its forms is forsaken, and when vengeance has been replaced by love, forgiveness and apologies can begin to be genuine and meaningful. This then leads to church and family discipline, which, when done scripturally, is an act of love and concern for the wrongdoer.
This process is designed primarily to restore the wrongdoer in the following three areas:
* First, to full fellowship with a local body of believers.
* Second, to his or her immediate family.
* Third, and most important, to a right relationship with Christ.
These are ultimate goals, not short-term Band-Aids. A restored relationship with those who have wounded us is possible, but it can only be achieved by a love that is faithful enough to apply the wisdom of the Bible to the hearts of those who hurt others.
STEP 4: WE MUST BE COMMITTIED ENOUGH TO MAINTAIN ACCOUNTABILITY.
No plan or process provides an absolutely sure way to get someone b ack on the path of spiritual growth and ethical living. Nor can we assure the restoration of broken and hurting relationships. We can only provide a means by which we can begin to move towards these ends under the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is as much a spiritual journey for those doing the correction as it is for the one being restored.
The pattern is clear: Real love longs for the betterment of another person. This causes a person to care enough to get involved in practicing Christ's process of correction and then holding the wrongdoer accountable for future choices. Suddenly, there is the opportunity for what has been broken to be made whole.
Confrontation is absolutely necessary to a scriptural process of correction and restoration. When there has been a profound betrayal of trust, there must be a willingness to lovingly confront. We cannot afford to pass lightly over the import issues of confession of wrong, sincere regret, acknowledgment of the need for forgiveness, a desire to change, and specific steps to begin carrying out that change.
What does the process of restoration look like?
STEP 1: WE MUST LOVE ENOUGH TO TAKE A RISK:
The process will never be easy. It will require the assistance of wise, loving, and courageous people -- people willing to risk getting involved. It also requires that we surrender our will to the timing and work of the Holy Spirit.
STEP 2: WE MUST CARE ENOUGH TO TEST THE HEART:
Sincere forgiveness is a response to the apology of wrongdoers and their longing for a renewed relationship. Healthy forgiveness also involves forsaking all six areas of denial. It acknowledges the wrong and our own natural desire for revenge, and then turns that longing over to God and replaces it with loving concern for what is best for all.
STEP 3: WE MUST BE OBEDIENT ENOUGH TO FOLLOW THE BIBILICAL PATTERN:
When denial in all its forms is forsaken, and when vengeance has been replaced by love, forgiveness and apologies can begin to be genuine and meaningful. This then leads to church and family discipline, which, when done scripturally, is an act of love and concern for the wrongdoer.
This process is designed primarily to restore the wrongdoer in the following three areas:
* First, to full fellowship with a local body of believers.
* Second, to his or her immediate family.
* Third, and most important, to a right relationship with Christ.
These are ultimate goals, not short-term Band-Aids. A restored relationship with those who have wounded us is possible, but it can only be achieved by a love that is faithful enough to apply the wisdom of the Bible to the hearts of those who hurt others.
STEP 4: WE MUST BE COMMITTIED ENOUGH TO MAINTAIN ACCOUNTABILITY.
No plan or process provides an absolutely sure way to get someone b ack on the path of spiritual growth and ethical living. Nor can we assure the restoration of broken and hurting relationships. We can only provide a means by which we can begin to move towards these ends under the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is as much a spiritual journey for those doing the correction as it is for the one being restored.
The pattern is clear: Real love longs for the betterment of another person. This causes a person to care enough to get involved in practicing Christ's process of correction and then holding the wrongdoer accountable for future choices. Suddenly, there is the opportunity for what has been broken to be made whole.
THE PROCESS OF RESTORATION
Confrontation is absolutely necessary to a scriptural process of correction and restoration. When there has been a profound betrayal of trust, there must be a willingness to lovingly confront. We cannot afford to pass lightly over the import issues of confession of wrong, sincere regret, acknowledgment of the need for forgiveness, a desire to change, and specific steps to begin carrying out that change.
What does the process of restoration look like?
STEP 1: WE MUST LOVE ENOUGH TO TAKE A RISK:
The process will never be easy. It will require the assistance of wise, loving, and courageous people -- people willing to risk getting involved. It also requires that we surrender our will to the timing and work of the Holy Spirit.
STEP 2: WE MUST CARE ENOUGH TO TEST THE HEART:
Sincere forgiveness is a response to the apology of wrongdoers and their longing for a renewed relationship. Healthy forgiveness also involves forsaking all six areas of denial. It acknowledges the wrong and our own natural desire for revenge, and then turns that longing over to God and replaces it with loving concern for what is best for all.
STEP 3: WE MUST BE OBEDIENT ENOUGH TO FOLLOW THE BIBILICAL PATTERN:
When denial in all its forms is forsaken, and when vengeance has been replaced by love, forgiveness and apologies can begin to be genuine and meaningful. This then leads to church and family discipline, which, when done scripturally, is an act of love and concern for the wrongdoer.
This process is designed primarily to restore the wrongdoer in the following three areas:
* First, to full fellowship with a local body of believers.
* Second, to his or her immediate family.
* Third, and most important, to a right relationship with Christ.
These are ultimate goals, not short-term Band-Aids. A restored relationship with those who have wounded us is possible, but it can only be achieved by a love that is faithful enough to apply the wisdom of the Bible to the hearts of those who hurt others.
STEP 4: WE MUST BE COMMITTIED ENOUGH TO MAINTAIN ACCOUNTABILITY.
No plan or process provides an absolutely sure way to get someone b ack on the path of spiritual growth and ethical living. Nor can we assure the restoration of broken and hurting relationships. We can only provide a means by which we can begin to move towards these ends under the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is as much a spiritual journey for those doing the correction as it is for the one being restored.
The pattern is clear: Real love longs for the betterment of another person. This causes a person to care enough to get involved in practicing Christ's process of correction and then holding the wrongdoer accountable for future choices. Suddenly, there is the opportunity for what has been broken to be made whole.
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