From a writing more than 8 years ago
If we were not speaking of people who attended a particular assembly, but rather of people who are together regularly because of circumstances, such working for the same employer, or living next door to each other, the answer of requiring someone to 'leave the assembly' wouldn't work.
Consider the differences among the members of any Christian forum, present and past.
In some forums, we have, or have had, universalists [everyone saved in the long run], Once Saved Always Saved, non-trinitarians [such as myself], Mormons, atheists and witches [self-proclaimed]. Also we have seen Roman Catholics, Orthodox Catholics, 7th day Adventists, etc.
The sharply different doctrines held by some of these could easily [and has in the past] result in some very un-Christ-like words being posted. Yet, for all of this, on some such forums, many have remained over long periods of time. Some of the instigators may push the forum rules beyond the limits of almost anyone and have to be removed from membership.
Banning people is, in my opinion, a poor choice for resolving differences, but unfortunately, sometimes there are no easy or realistic alternatives for the decision makers.
No one should be required to compromise their own beliefs to please someone other than God. No one but God is able to set straight anyone who is wrong in what they believe... and even God will not force a person to act against his own will.
People who insist that they cannot serve God without insulting others need to consider more carefully the example of Jesus when He walked this planet some 2000 years ago.
It is usually for a lack of love one toward another [charity] that people end up being banned. Jesus loved Judas, even though He knew before the betrayal that Judas was to be His betrayer! Judas did hear the same spoken words from the lips of Jesus as the others did! Apparently he never allowed them (at least some of them) to be written in his heart.
It has been many years since my own natural children lived at home, but I know that even when they were very evil in their actions, I always still loved them. Loving a child must of necessity include the ability and the will to chastise them properly when they have done wrong.
We are not usually each other's natural children on the forum, but we should attempt treat each other as Jesus treated Judas all of the time. We really are our brother's keeper! If we are uncertain as who is or who is not our brother, wouldn't it be better to treat the person as a brother?
'Do onto others that which you would have them do onto you!'
Jesus did this "Do onto others" thing better than anyone, but we should or could have the gift from God to do the same. If we do not, it is not the fault of God who would willingly give us the needed increase.
To turn the other cheek doesn't mean to smite your apparent offender in the same manner that he smote you!
One verse says, "...Resist the devil and he will flee from you..." [James 4:7]
Another verse says, "...Resist not evil..." [Matt 5:39]
The verse in James, I believe, refers to us needing to resist the temptations, which are found in our flesh, which want us to do things to please ourselves rather than to please God. Jesus did this by using the sword, which is the Word of God, a weapon [two edged] for both offense and defense.
The verse in Matthew, I believe, refers to not attempting by our own strength or will or power to overcome an enemy. We cannot win by this means, many, or even any, battles for God.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Eph 6:12
Also...
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel [me or you], saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." Zech 6:4
