Forgive the Sinner
Part II

In our last blog we discussed the forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration of a sinner guilty of incest who had been excommunicated from the church. (I Cor. 5) I made the statement that restoration is more difficult for us than excommunication. That may sound harsh but I believe it to be the case.  Just as those who rushed to judgment of the “woman caught in the act of adultery”,

Religious humanity rushes to judgment as if we are incapable of such sinful action.  Paul made it clear that “we are what we are by the Grace of God.”  It is at this point that we face the question, what then is the process of restoration?  The process of restoration is dependent upon the sphere of the offence.  Who has been impacted by the sin and what is the cost of the sin to others.  It is an easy thing for Christians to simply say, “Forgive and forget.”  Of course we must forgive and yes forget but that doesn’t mean that there is not a cost to the sinner for their sin.  Forgiveness is instantaneous but restoration is a process. Sin not only breaks the laws of God, it also breaks the hearts and trust of people.  Forgiveness helps bring healing to those forgiving but trust is something that must be rebuilt by the offender.

For example, if the man who was caught in the sin of incest in I Corinthians 5 was forgiven and received back in the church, is he instantly eligible to resume any leadership activities?  Can he keep the nursery?  May he keep your grandchildren? Can he teach the day he returns?  Can he preach?  Certainly not!  Why?  I thought we had forgiven him!  Yes but for his good and the good of the church we must allow a process of healing for the offender as well as the church.  Repentance opens the door for forgiveness and reconciliation and reconciliation opens the door for restoration.  All this process takes time.  There is also a cost involved that doesn’t guarantee that the offender will ever attain his earlier status in ministry.  He may, but that is in the hands of God.  Our heart must be one of forgiveness and restoration.  However, only the Restorer can accomplish true restoration. May the Lord give us wisdom as we navigate these waters.