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 Once
a member of a congregation was reported to have been drinking,
and seen in public under the influence of alcohol. I was
privileged to be present when the elders discussed the problem,
and how they might act in keeping with their obligations as
shepherds, and to save the wavering brother's soul.
One
elder, with great humility, said, "I believe I am the one
who should go and talk with him. You see, there was a time, some
years ago, when we drank together."
This
bishop saw with clarity what many of us never see; or seeing,
ignore. To reach a sinner, to correct an error, understanding
is necessary. Understanding of the truth — of course — but
also understanding of the one in error. This doesn't warrant the
conclusion that only former drunkards should be elders; but it
does suggest the need for all who would correct others to
"feel" with and for them. Sympathy and
empathy are not synonymous with condoning.
Christ
was "made like unto his brethren" -- "suffered
being tempted" -- and therefore encourages us to "come
boldly unto the throne of grace." He did not need to sin,
but to understand man's frailties. (Heb. 2: 11-18;
4:15-16) Concern and compassion are written between every line
of the account of the woman taken in adultery, although the
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sin itself must have been repulsive to
the pure Son of God. (Jn.
8:3-11) ("Go, and sin no more.")
"Hate
sin, but love the sinner." It's trite, abuses; but Oh, so
needed!
To All Their Dues
On
the opposite page we develop an idea suggested by some notes in
our little black book — maybe notes on a sermon by W.
L. Wharton, but we are not really certain of the source. Anyhow
we spent nearly five hours study and writing on that page, so do
not hesitate to call this article our own.
STUFF
ABOUT THINGS grew out of a personal experience, but uses a
suggestion from Dan Shipley. ("resolutions come easiest following
indulgence") Another of Dan's ideas which we haven't used
-- yet: "New Convert Deserves More Than a Dry Towel
and a Handshake." Eight articles per month absorb a lot of
"ideas" gathered from over the country, and we would
gladly acknowledge each one if we knew the source, and space
would allow.
If
you quote Plain Talk you should give source. Use our
"ideas" freely — if you research them adequately to
confirm truth, and if you have nerve!
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