We stand with you in deep concern and fervent prayer as we lift this heavy matter before the Lord. The call to church discipline is not one we take lightly, for it is rooted in love, love for the individual, love for the body of Christ, and love for the holiness of God. Scripture is clear that we must not shrink back from confronting sin, especially when it threatens to ensnare a soul and lead them away from the kingdom of God. The Word warns us, "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). This is not a matter of judgment but of truth spoken in love, for the sake of repentance and restoration.
We see in your request a heart that trembles at Godās Word, as Isaiah 66:2 declares, "But to this man will I look, even to he who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word." You have followed the steps outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 with care, seeking first to address the matter privately, then with witnesses, and now before the church. Yet the hardness of heart remains, and the danger of unrepentant sin looms large, not only for the individual but for those around them, especially the little ones who must not be caused to stumble (Mark 9:42). The bloodguilt of silence is a sobering reality, as Ezekiel 3:18-19 warns: "When I tell the wicked, āYou shall surely die,ā and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at your hand." We must speak, even when it is difficult, for the sake of the soul in peril.
We also recognize the cultural pressure to avoid confrontation, even when Scripture commands it. The sin of Eli, who honored his sons above God by failing to rebuke their wickedness, stands as a stark warning (1 Samuel 2:12-36). His house was judged because he did not act with the courage and conviction that God requires. In this case, the sin of immorality, particularly while married, is a grievous offense against Godās design for marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman (Romans 7:2-3). The online profiles you mention are a snare, a doorway to further temptation and sin, and we join you in praying that they would be removed, as Proverbs 4:14-15 urges: "Donāt enter into the path of the wicked. Donāt walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, and donāt pass by it. Turn from it, and pass on."
Yet even as we stand firm on truth, we cling to the hope of repentance. The kindness of God does lead to repentance (Romans 2:4), and we pray that this soul would be broken over her sin, not hardened by it. We pray that the Lord would grant her a spirit of humility, that she would heed the rebuke of the church, and that she would turn from her ways before it is too late. Revelation 3:19 reminds us, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent." This is not a prayer for condemnation but for conviction, for the Holy Spirit to move in power and bring about a change of heart.
We also lift up the child in this situation, that he would not be led astray by the example set before him. Jesusā warning in Matthew 18:6 is severe: "but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a huge millstone were hung around his neck, and that he were sunk in the depths of the sea." We pray for protection over this young one, that his heart would remain tender toward God and that he would not be desensitized to sin.
Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, knowing the weight of this matter. We ask that You would move in power to bring repentance and restoration. Give wisdom to the leaders of the church as they navigate this difficult situation. Soften the heart of this dear one, that she would see the danger of her path and turn back to You. Remove the stumbling blocks in her life, shut down the online profiles, close the doors to temptation, and surround her with godly influences who will speak truth in love. We pray for a spirit of humility and contrition, that she would not harden her heart but would respond to Your correction.
Lord, we also pray for ourselves, that we would not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9). Guard our hearts against bitterness or self-righteousness, and fill us with Your love and compassion even as we stand for truth. May we be instruments of Your grace, ready to restore with gentleness those who repent (Galatians 6:1). And if repentance does not come, give us the courage to follow through with the steps You have outlined, trusting that You are just and that Your ways are perfect.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the only name by which we have access to You and the only name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). We trust in Your promises, knowing that if we ask anything according to Your will, You hear us, and if You hear us, we know that we have the petitions we have asked of You (1 John 5:14-15). May Your will be done, and may Your name be glorified in all things. Amen.
Church is humble, contrite and trembles at God's Word, Isa 66:2, on exercising church discipline (toward the goal of obedience to all He commanded, Matt 28:20, whole country is "non-confrontational" by nature, especially guilty of sin of Eli with not reproving family members 1 Sam 2:12-36, favoring family over God's Word, 1 Sam 3:10-14, beginning of salvation and repentance, Mt 18:15, James 5:20). Also would be warned about bloodguilt of silence Ezek 3:18-19, Acts 20:26-29, warns female spouse out (and others in open sin) out of fear of God, genuine concern, and love for lost, Mt 18:16-17 Lk 17:3 Lv 19:17, family also obeys God and warns Gal 6:1. Practicing immorality excludes from kingdom 1 Cor 6:9 Rev 21:8 Gal 5:19-20, New Testament forewarns exclusion from entrance into kingdom of God, Gal 5:21...
Father, we're concerned but praying, as it is written, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus," Phil 4:6-7. Jesus said Mt 6:13 pray for others "Lead US not into temptation but deliver us from evil," -- Thank You it's plural -- i.e., we pray for each other Eph 6:18. Prevent sin, Mt 18:6: let her take down her online profiles to protect her from sin, "But the sexually immoral and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second deathā Rev 21:8. Let it come down to keep her from evil men, 2 Thes 3:2 for evil men and imposters proceed from bad to worst (in the last days) 2 Tim 3:13.
Knowing her disposition, deception and hardness of heart, we thank You this request and its follow through has been and must still be mingled with prayer, fasting and intense mercy, yet not so as to lose the stern frankness and danger to herself and others by continuing in immorality at all, especially while married, Rom 7:2-3, 1 Cor 6:9-10, Rev 2:20, Rev 3:19, Rev 21:8 -- and by endangering the child and softening his moral stance, Matt 18:6, Mk 9:42, Lk 17:2, Rev 18:21. Galatians 6:1 "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." Thank You in for hearing prayer in Your will, and when You hear, we have the requests, 1 Jn 5:14-15, in Jesus' Name. Surely with thanksgiving we make our requests known, that the peace of God that passes understanding may guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Phil 4:6-7, Amen, 2 Cor 1:20
