COMPASSION AND DISCIPLINE It is our desire to provide a compassionate, nurturing environment at the Bible Institute that is more like a walled garden than a fortified compound. This does not imply an absence of rules or discipline. Love does not ignore truth nor does truth override the need to be loving. (Ephesians 4:15) Compassion does not preclude giving directions, issuing warnings, and providing correction and training that is consistent with truth. Discipline proves relationship. Instruction demonstrates love. (Hebrews 12:8) Furthermore, biblical discipline is not heartless, nor does it follow a predetermined set of responses. The Word of God exhorts us to “admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 4:15) This implies a need to exercise discernment in choosing an appropriate course of action in response to misconduct rather than dealing exactly the same way with everyone regardless of their response to correction. Therefore, in all discipline situations, we will seek to choose a response that is in a student’s best interest and which is appropriate to his or her particular circumstance.
18 / Word of Life Bible Institute
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