One of the most painful yet needful responsibilities of faithful Christians and faithful congregations of the Lord’s church is to be mindful of and take action on behalf of our brethren who are walking “disorderly and not according to the tradition” of God’s Word (2 Thess. 3:6; i.e., not obeying God’s Word, cf. 3:14). When the body of Christ seeks to take steps (outlined by God Himself) to save a member who has left his first love (cf. 1 Cor. 5:5), it is necessary that each member of the body respond in unison and love to the commands of God. Here are some of them.
“Withdraw from” (2 Thess. 3:6). Avoid fellowship and social contact. Painful but needful.
“Note that person” (2 Thess. 3:14). Mark them so that brethren will know. Painful but needful.
“Do not keep company with” (2 Thess. 3:14, 1 Cor. 5:11). Literally means “do not mix up together” or associate with. Painful but needful.
“Not even to eat with” (1 Cor. 5:11). Common association and social interaction forbidden. Painful but needful.
“Deliver unto Satan…purge out…put away” (1 Cor. 5:5, 7, 11). Remove from the fellowship of the body, to save him and to protect and save the body. Painful but needful.
“Let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector” (Matt. 18:17). Put him back into the world where he longs to be and is stubbornly living. Painful but needful.
“Do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother” (2 Thess. 3:15). He is still a brother, but an erring brother. Warn him (present tense, thus continually) of the seriousness of his destructive ways. Painful but needful.
“Restore in a spirit of gentleness” (Gal. 6:1). Don’t ever give up; keep trying to mend his soul and put him back where he once was.
“Turn him back…from the error of his way” (James 5:19-20). His soul is at stake and his sins will destroy him. Look for opportunities to turn him.
If/When my wayward and withdrawn from brother comes back, how do I need to respond then? “You ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him” (2 Cor. 2:7-8). Jesus said that in so doing, “…you have gained your brother” (Mt. 18:15).
These are commands from God. Following them could save a brother’s soul. Disobeying them can cost us our own souls. Complying might be painful, but it is needful for all.