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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
"Shunning"
I remember reading a story in which a religious group practiced “shunning.” One of their members had sinned, and they followed the doctrines of their church by shunning—or refusing to talk to or associate with that person. This practice was portrayed as harsh and hateful. Is there any biblical authority for such a practice?
The Bible does teach that discipline is to be practiced when a Christian rebels against God’s Word. But the Bible does not authorize “shunning”—not as it is practiced by some religious people. Note the following scriptures that outline our obligations in this matter:
- “We exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly,”
- “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly…And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother,”
2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15
- “I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat...Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person,”
If you read these passages in their entire context you will notice that the souls of those “disorderly” [originally a military term meaning to “refuse to stand in the ranks; to deviate from accepted behavior”] were in serious danger because of their sinful behavior. Those who loved them were to warn them, and if necessary, discipline them in order to bring them back to their rightful place.
Unfortunately, what usually takes place is merely a second cousin to “shunning.” Too often we ignore their unrighteous living, their neglect and their absence from the assembly. Some seem to believe that by leaving them alone everything will turn out all right. In other words, we practice “shunning” while preaching discipline.
Consider these reasons why Christians must practice, not “shunning,” but biblical discipline.
- God has commanded us to practice loving, biblical discipline. This should be reason enough for us to do so. We love God, are grateful for His gift of salvation, and we want to “keep his commandments,” 1 John 5:2-3.
- To salvage the eternal soul of the one in need of discipline—the disorderly person. Just as God chastens those whom He loves, we have the obligation to do all we can to bring the weakened Christian back to faithful living, thereby saving their souls [see Hebrews 12:5-17]. This is the highest expression of the biblical command that we “love one another” [see John 13:34-35, 1Peter 1:22, Romans 13:8].
- To preserve the virtue, the honor of Christ’s bride, the church [See Ephesians 5:22-32, 2 Corinthians 11:2]. Hypocrisy is one of the most despised vices in human behavior, and to see a congregation of God’s people preach a lifestyle they are unwilling to practice is pure hypocrisy. When one member of Christ’s church becomes known for sinful behavior, but no correction is attempted, the whole church is charged with giving their approval to it. All men, including our neighbors, need to know that hypocrisy—or any other form of ungodly behavior—will not be condoned by any of us. Paul confronted this in 1 Corinthian 5:6 when he wrote: “Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?”
We practice biblical discipline, not because we hate those in need of it, but because we love them, and because we are fully aware that God knows what is best in His kingdom. When properly administered, discipline is not a negative action, is not some form of spiteful judging, is not an act of retaliation. Jesus compared it to a shepherd who, leaving the “ninety and nine,” seeks after the lost sheep. Upon finding that wandering one, Jesus said: “…he layeth it upon his shoulder, rejoicing,” Luke 15:3-7.
We want to reclaim those who are entrapped in their sin. We want to protect the virtue of Jesus’ bride, the church He purchased with His own blood, 1 Peter 1:18-19. We want to be true to Christ.
We cannot allow our own neglect to be the instrument of Satan to keep his hold on that wandering “sheep,” but we must be the instrument of God in bringing him home to the Heavenly Father. Remember, they are our family!
If you know of a wandering sister or brother, go to them with kindness and patience, and bring them back home, Galatians 6:1. That’s not “shunning.” That’s God’s love in us in action.
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