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Response
This topic requires sensitivity. It is advisable to begin with prayer, examining our intentions and seeking guidance. There are occasions when Christians are tasked with addressing or correcting a fellow believer. When addressing a sin in a believer’s life, our aim should always be to lead them to repentance and restoration in Christ.
First and foremost, our attitude is crucial. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” «and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.», (Ephesians 4:32). This sets the stage for us to “speak the truth in love” «but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: », (Ephesians 4:15). In his letter to the Galatians, Paul also emphasized the importance of attitude: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted” «Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. », (Galatians 6:1). This highlights that those who are “spiritual,” walking in faith and obedience, should gently guide those in sin, always mindful of the temptations that Satan uses to ensnare everyone.
The Bible outlines the process for addressing a sinning brother or sister in a detailed passage on church discipline.Discipline: “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector” (Matthew 18:15-17). Again, this is the procedure for confronting a sinning brother, not someone whose behavior you feel needs modifying in some way or someone who merely irritates or annoys you.
On a different note, one of the most frequently quoted scriptures is “Judge not, lest ye be judged” « Judge not, that ye be not judged. », (Matthew 7:1 KJV). Taken out of context, the verse has been used to incorrectly justify never taking a stand on anything that would require a judgment to be made. Rather, the verse is referring to hypocritical, self-righteous, unfair kinds of judgment, especially where the confronter is guilty of the same sin as the one being confronted.
So, when should Christians talk to or try to correct a fellow Christian? When we have spoken to the Lord first, have an attitude of submission and concern for the other person, and are committed to following the procedures outlined in His Word for such a situation.
