# Xvii. Of Shunning The Separated.

Date not assigned · Historical source

Source: Martyrs’ Mirror. Original heading: XVII. OF SHUNNING THE SEPARATED.



Concerning the withdrawing from, or shunning
the separated, we believe and confess, that if any
one, either through his wicked life or perverted
doctrine, has so far fallen that he is separated from
God, and, consequently, also separated and punished
by the church, the same must, according to
the doctrine of Christ and his apostles, be shunned,
without distinction, by all the fellow members of the
church, especially those to whom it is known, in
eating, drinking, and other similar intercourse, and
no company be had with him; that they may not
become contaminated by intercourse with him, nor
made partakers of his sins; but that the sinner may
be made ashamed, pricked in his heart, and convicted
in his conscience, unto his reformation.
1 Cor. 5:9–11; 2 Thess. 3:14.

Yet, in shunning as well as in reproving, such
moderation and Christian discretion must be used,
that it may conduce, not to the destruction, but to
the reformation of the sinner. For, if he is needy,
hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, or in any other distress,
we are in duty bound, necessity requiring it,
according to love and the doctrine of Christ and his
apostles, to render him aid and assistance; otherwise,
shunning would in this case tend more to
destruction than to reformation.

Therefore, we must not count them as enemies,
but admonish them as brethren, that thereby they
may be brought to a knowledge of and to repentance
and sorrow for their sins, so that they may
become reconciled to God, and, consequently be
received again into the church; and that love may
continue with them, according as is proper. 2 Thess.
3:15.





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