What is the balance between discipline, forgiveness, and restoration?

Matthew 18:21-22Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!”

Discipline seeks forgiveness, restoration, and growth in Christ. It should be redemptive.

2 Corinthians 7:8-11I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right.

Church discipline is not motivated by vengeance but is driven by a desire for restoration and healing. Church discipline is discipling, helping another learn to follow Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 1:20Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.

In cases of discipline, the church should always maintain the hope of repentance, but some people may need to be given over to Satan (in other words, we stop pursuing them with the discipline process). Only after being abandoned to experience the tragic feelings and consequences of being a pawn of Satan and a slave to sin will they understand their error and return to God to experience the freedom Christ gives.

2 Corinthians 2:7-8Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.

Discipline is always meant to result in forgiveness. The fruit of good discipline is true repentance and restoration on the part of the sinner, and forgiveness and comfort on the part of those administering the discipline.