Discipline is part of the process of discipleship, not a side product.
Healthy discipline is a part of helping others be more like Christ. You know of areas of sin in a person’s life, so you confront them in love, helping them grow and improve. (Proverbs 1:1-3; 6:23)
Discipline is done in an effort to restore, not to punish.
Jesus took the punishment for our sins. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Proverbs 10:17; Romans 5:8)
It’s not limited to select sins.
If you are doing discipline as a part of discipleship, then you address known sins…period. It could be gossip…may even be gluttony or greed. (Matthew 5:21-28)
The only people doing church discipline perfectly are the perfect churches.
They do discipleship perfectly, also. In fact, they’re pretty much perfect. (Or think they are.
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It rarely involves people having to leave the church.
I honestly think that’s what some people feel is the key objective. I don’t see it that way. I see it more restorative than dismissive. (Philemon)
I realize scholars can pick this apart. I welcome your input and healthy correction. Just do it in love, please. I think that’s Biblical, too!
What are your thoughts on church discipline? 
