Practicing Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG11

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P R A C T I C I N G C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

together. We will seek to take our cues and models on Paul’s example, where he exhorted the Thessalonians to employ such a multi-faceted approach to discipling and care. Note his instruction: 1 Thess. 5.14-15 - And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. [15] See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. We are to admonish the idle not the fainthearted , and we are to help the weak, not admonish them. Truly, one size in Christian care does not fit all. This lesson is a challenge to the leader to be filled with the Spirit in such a way that they can discern what kind of response is called for, at what time, for what end, and in what way. This devotion highlights a critical element in all genuinely Christian exhortation or discipline. The focus is not upon imposing guilt, condemnation, and shame on the offender or recalcitrant believer, but rather on the restoration and re-inclusion of the person within the family of God and the fellowship of the body. The example of Peter’s betrayal may be one of the most vivid examples of this principle, largely because of the Herculean size of the offense. Peter betrayed the Lord, not once, but three times, denying even to have known him or to have associated with him in any way. What could be more horrible, in the family of terrible acts, than this? What is instructive in this example is that the Lord, knowing fully that Peter would commit these acts, had already interceded for him, and made plans for this incident not to isolate or shame him, but to propel him to a position of servanthood and care for his fellow disciples. Having experienced the forgiveness and grace of our Lord, Peter would be in a good position to empathize with the situation of others who would need the forgiveness of the Lord. Several key principles can be emphasized throughout this lesson touching upon the forgiveness of Christ and our responsibility to show humility and grace to others, even as the Lord has done so to us:

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