Quote:
Originally Posted by Terry
Not only was there danger lest Satan should get an advantage against the penitent, by driving him to despair; but against the churches also, and the apostles or ministers of Christ, by representing them as too rigid and severe, and so frightening people from coming among them.
|
This applies appropriately to some leaders in the local churches does it not? Brothers only receive one side of any given conflict to be heard and render judgment without considering the other side of the story. Because the brothers not only come across as "too ridged and severe", but also close-minded, thus brothers and sisters see it pointless trying to open up the brothers' heart and are fearful of themselves being put out of the church.