Patrick was firm in his conviction that Coroticus and his thugs should be excommunicated. But he held out hope for their restoration, as we hear him explain, if they would repent of their sin. Today’s excerpt from Patrick: A Devotional History, is found on pages 67 and 68:
“Because if some
time God may in His mercy, let them come
unto their senses and return to Him,
repenting of their gruesome, cruel, and grim
iniquity, however late, if they
should come to hate their murderous way
of life, and set their prisoners free, then may
they know His mercy, and again obey
His Word, and by repentance show that they
have been restored unto Christ’s holy way.
“Patrick ended his letter of excommunication with instructions for the faithful and hope for the offenders.
“In a previous section Patrick commanded the believers who read his letter to shun Coroticus and his soldiers, to refuse them any courtesies, help, assistance, or recognition, to drive home the fact of their excommunication in dramatic fashion. Here at the end of the letter he calls on them to read this letter in public before Coroticus and his men, and, through Patrick’s words, to call them to come unto their senses, realize the depth of their sin, repent, and return to the Lord.
“For the purpose of church discipline is not merely to punish, but to achieve restoration—restoration of the transgressors to good standing with the Lord, and restoration of the Body of Christ to purity, wholeness, and peace. In this dual emphasis Patrick reflects the teaching both of Jesus and the apostle Paul, and once again demonstrates his commitment to the Word and ways of Christ”
For reflection or discussion
1. Do you know a friend who has drifted from Jesus and needs to be restored? Should you have a role in this?
2. Why is repentance from sin such an important aspect of the life of faith?
We all sin, and we all therefore need to learn the discipline of repentance. In repentance we denounce our sinful practice and resolve on a course which is opposite to it. Repentance is incomplete without this new practice being put in place. We must confess our sins to the Lord and repent of them. But we must also resume our walk with Him on the path of righteousness. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together and talk about how repentance helps us grow in the Lord. You can download a free PDF copy of our 30-day devotional, Patrick: A Devotional History, by going to The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
