As Christians, are
we supposed to confront sin in other Christians? Does the Bible tell us how and
when to do this?
ANSWER:
This
is always a tough question because it cultivates such intense emotions in
people ranging from calls of "judgmentalism",
to fueling the fire of legalism and opening a wide door for busybodies.
Often,
human wisdom or pragmatism is applied and the rule of measurement becomes
"does it work"? In this case it might go something like this, "confronting
doesn't work because it drives people away; love works instead because it makes
people feel comfortable and want your help". Sound good? Of course,
but is "sounding good" a rule of standard for Biblical doctrine?
Some
couch this in the statement "Am I my brothers
keeper?" In other words, is it any of my business what my brothers
and sisters do? Some say yes, some say no, some says "depends".
There
are two parts to the issue. First, do you confront? Yes or no? Second, if yes, how? I think the Bible is clear about
the first question:
Sin
that is ignored will corrupt the whole body - 1 Corinthians 5:6-7 Your glorying
is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?
Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly
are unleavened. For indeed
Sinning
brothers are to disciplined - Matthew 18:15-17 "Moreover if your brother sins
against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears
you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one
or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be
established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he
refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax
collector. (NKJV)
Sinning
Elders are to be rebuked - 1 Timothy 5:20 Those who are
sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. (NKJV)
Idol
talkers and deceivers are to be rebuked - Titus 1:13 This testimony is
true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
(NKJV)
Sexual
immorality IN PARTICULAR is to be confronted, exposed, judged and dealt
with - 1 Corinthians 5:5 deliver such a
one to
Turning
a sinner from sin is commended - James 5:20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from
the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
(NKJV)
The
unruly are to be confronted - 1 Thessalonians 5:13-14 and to esteem them very highly in
love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you,
brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak,
be patient with all. (NKJV)
Those
caught in sin are dealt with (not ignored) in gentleness - Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass,
you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering
yourself lest you also be tempted. (NKJV)
Divisive
Christians are to be warned, then rejected - Titus 3:10 Reject a divisive man after the first and
second admonition, (NKJV)
These
are clear examples and instructions about confronting sin in others. Like
most verses, they have specific application in context to certain situations
and at certain times. It would be easy to say none of those SPECIFICALLY say I
should confront my Christian brother at work about public sin in his life.
However, this ignores a clear theme and continuous thread of principle that is
demonstrated in the verses:
1Cor.
5: Confront sin, don't ignore it.
Math
18: Confront sin, don't ignore it.
1Tim.
5: Confront sin, don't ignore it.
1
Cor 5: Confront sin, don't ignore it.
1 Thes. 5: Confront sin,
don't ignore it..
It
would be impossible to list every situation and every variable in order to
specifically tell you when and who to confront. The Bible never attempts
to address every situation when it comes to teaching us how to behave as
Christians. The Bible gives us instruction, shows us examples, reinforces the
principles then expects us to ask God for wisdom on how to apply it to every
day life.
If we ARE to confront sin, then when, and how? That's easy and the
answer is the same: when love is the motive and the method.
Confronting
should be done in love, and because of love.
Confronting
sin is always wrong when done for a personal agenda. It is always wrong
when done for retaliation or self righteousness. It is always wrong when done
in pride or selfish motives. Look at the verses again, and you'll see the
correct motive either plainly or more subtle, but it's there and its never about the "confronter". It's always
about restoring the sinner to God:
Finally,
we have the method, gentleness and love:
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any
trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness,
considering yourself lest you also be tempted. (NKJV)
We
are to restore in gentleness which of course is founded in love. If your motive
for considering a confrontation of a brother or sister about sin is based on
anything but SELFLESS motives that bring glory to God - think again. If your
method is anything but gentle and loving, don't bother.
We
don't confront sin to make ourselves feel important or better than someone
else. We don't confront sin in order to make a point or get back at someone. We
don't confront sin for the sake of embarrassing or humiliating someone. We
don't confront sin with a "holy police" mentality, the enforcer of
sanctification.
We
confront sin for the reasons God tell us to in verses like those above with the
goal of restoring the sinner to fellowship with God always in truth, always in
patience, always in mercy and always in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done with love. (NKJV)
- Brent Riggs