God disciplines those He loves. 

God’s intent is for all of us to grow in holiness and Christ-likeness. This does not happen overnight, but is an ongoing process of saying ‘no’ to sin and ‘yes’ to obeying God. Just as parents, out of love and because they only want what is best for them, discipline their children when they are disobedient, God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). His desire is for us to respond with soft hearts that will allow His image to be formed in us. Sometimes, however, a person’s heart becomes so calloused through habitual or unconfessed sin that they turn away from God and need to be challenged to return to Him. If the person remains unrepentant, the Bible is clear that they must be put out of the church – not to punish them, but in the hope that they will come to their senses and that their soul will be saved.  

This is a Four12 Podcast

Andrew Selley is the apostolic leader of Four12, and he ministers worldwide. He is also the lead elder of the multi-site Joshua Generation Church. He is based in California, USA, along with his wife, Emma, and their daughter, Enyah. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more.