Is it ever right to exclude someone? - Admission/Exclusion - TouchPoints

Matthew 8:15-17When Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him. That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, “He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.”

Romans 16:17Now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.

1 Corinthians 5:2, 6You are so proud of yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame. And you should remove this man from your fellowship. . . . Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough?

1 Corinthians 5:9-12When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.

Galatians 6:1Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

2 Thessalonians 3:6Now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us.

Titus 3:10If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.

James 5:19-20My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

Paul warns against holding nonbelievers to Christ’s standards, but he does say believers have a responsibility to hold one another accountable. Condoning sin and false teaching encourages others to join in that sin (Galatians 2:13), causing it to spread and harm many people (1 Corinthians 5:6; 2 Peter 2:1-3). Though correction should be offered in love, and multiple warnings should be given, there may be a point when the church needs to distance itself from an unrepentant and rebellious individual. This action is done not only for the safety of the church’s witness, but also in the hope that this last measure of discipline will inspire repentance in that individual (1 Corinthians 5:5).

Proverbs 13:20Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

Proverbs 22:24-25Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.

1 Corinthians 15:33Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”

Sometimes, it may be wise to exclude ourselves from social groups that become a source of temptation.