Question:
Pastor Hank, First let me say that I listen to your radio show almost daily And I enjoy it immensely. I am struggling with a problem that I cannot find a clear cut answer in GOD’S word. I have a relative that I believe is saved, she is a single mom with a 15 yr. old daughter and she is living and sleeping with a man. In 1Cor 5:11 Paul states not to associate with a believer who is sexually immoral. In Matt.18:15-17 Jesus says(and I’m paraphrasing) go to the sinner and confront her,if she does not listen bring 2 witnesses and if she still does not listen take it to church.If she still does not listen treat her as a pagan. The crux of my problem is this : do I really go to my church(of which she is a member) and tell a pastor about this? I keep thinking of our Lord’s words” He who is without sin let him cast the first stone” and also ” you see the twig in your brothers eye do you not see the log in yours”. As you can tell I am confused on this issue. Can you help?
Answer:
Galatians 6:1-2 says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” I believe that we need to make every attempt to restore a person fallen into sin. Pray for the person and pray carefully as to how you might restore such a one. Also, please notice thtat the passage in Matthew 18 gives direction if someone has sinned against YOU. Matthew 18:15 says, “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”