The church is meant to be a place of refuge, a sanctuary for believers to find solace and support. However, the reality is that even within the church, troublemakers can emerge, disrupting the harmony and fellowship. This raises an important question: what does the Bible say about troublemakers in the church? Examining biblical principles and teachings can provide valuable insight into how to identify, address, and ultimately, overcome this challenge.
Identifying Troublemakers: Recognizing the Seeds of Discord
The Bible offers several clues to help us identify troublemakers within the church. Firstly, they often display a spirit of contention and division. Galatians 5:20 clearly states, "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions," highlighting strife as a characteristic of those who oppose God's will.
Secondly, troublemakers are often motivated by personal gain or control. The apostle Paul warns Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 about those who are "eager for position," implying that their desire for power can lead them to manipulate situations and exploit others.
Thirdly, they tend to be prone to gossip and slander. Proverbs 16:28 reminds us, "A deceitful person spreads strife, and a gossip separates close friends." Troublemakers often sow seeds of discord by spreading malicious rumors and undermining the unity of the church.
Biblical Principles for Addressing Troublemakers
The Bible provides a framework for addressing troublemakers in a way that honors God and promotes the well-being of the church.
1. Seek Reconciliation and Restoration:
The ultimate goal is not to punish but to restore. Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in Matthew 6:14-15, "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." This principle applies to church members as well. We should strive to approach troublemakers with a spirit of love and forgiveness, seeking to resolve conflicts and restore broken relationships.
2. Admonition and Discipline:
While forgiveness is paramount, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of discipline when necessary. Galatians 6:1 instructs, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore them gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." This principle highlights the responsibility of the church leadership to address sin and help individuals repent and change their ways.
3. Removing Persistent Troublemakers:
In some cases, despite repeated efforts at reconciliation and discipline, some individuals may continue to disrupt the church. The apostle Paul provides guidance in 1 Corinthians 5:11-13, "I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. You would then have to leave the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who calls himself a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. With such a person do not even eat." This passage emphasizes the importance of protecting the church from those who persistently spread harm and division.
Overcoming the Challenges of Troublemakers
Dealing with troublemakers can be challenging, but it is essential to remember that we are not alone. The church is a body of believers, and we are called to support one another. Here are some practical steps we can take:
- Pray for wisdom and strength: The Holy Spirit can guide us in navigating difficult situations and empowering us to act with compassion and discernment.
- Seek counsel from trusted leaders: Pastors and elders can provide valuable guidance and support in dealing with troublemakers.
- Cultivate a spirit of unity and forgiveness: We should strive to focus on the positive aspects of our faith community, promoting love and understanding, and resisting the temptation to be drawn into conflict.
- Remember the ultimate goal: Our aim should be to bring glory to God and to build a strong and healthy church community.
Conclusion
Troublemakers in the church are a reality, but they do not have to define the church. By understanding biblical principles and implementing practical strategies, we can overcome these challenges and create a space where love, unity, and true worship can flourish. By focusing on reconciliation, discipline, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can build a stronger, more resilient church community.
