The book of Galatians, chapter 6, verse 1, states, “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”
Are there any circumstances in which Christians should confront one another regarding their behavior? Yes, according to God’s requirements, we must confront and assist those who have clearly violated the boundaries set by Scripture (Matthew 18:15-16). However, it is crucial to understand the distinction between discipline and judgment in this context. Discipline involves addressing observed behavior actions we have witnessed (Galatians 6:1), while judgment pertains to character. We are permitted to confront others about specific sins we have seen, but we are not authorized to pass judgment on their character (Matthew 7:1; Romans 14:13). Disciplining is our responsibility while judging character falls under God’s jurisdiction.
For instance, imagine you have just caught your child telling a lie. Instead of saying, “You’re a liar,” which would be a judgment of his character, you could say, “Son, you just told a lie,” which is a form of discipline. By doing so, you are holding him accountable for his observed behavior.
Imagine a scenario where your Christian friend confesses to you that they cheated on their income tax return. If you were to address them as a thief, it would be considered a judgment on their character, which is not your responsibility. Instead, you can approach the situation based on what you observe: “By engaging in tax evasion, you are taking money from the government, and that is morally wrong.”
A significant portion of what we refer to as discipline often amounts to nothing more than character assassination. We tend to label our disobedient child as “bad.” We advise a struggling Christian brother or sister, telling them they are not a “good Christian.” These kinds of statements do not correct or build up; instead, they tear down someone’s character and convey disapproval for their actions and who they are. It’s important to remember that your child is not a liar; they are a child of God who has told a lie. Similarly, your Christian friend is not a thief; they are a child of God who has taken something that does not belong to them. While holding people accountable for their behavior is necessary, we must never degrade their character.
Prayer: Father, please forgive me for passing judgment on others. Grant me the ability to discipline those I care about and those I am responsible for with love and understanding.
About the Author
Allow us to introduce you to Bruce Mitchell – a true devotee of the Word, a guiding light in the midst of chaos, and a compassionate shepherd to his congregation. His role extends beyond that of a mere speaker; he is an ardent Bible instructor, a devoted Pastor, and an impassioned writer who strives to infuse heavenly wisdom into our daily lives.
Bruce takes great pleasure in having pursued his education at both Biola University and Dallas Theological Seminary. His heart beats with the desire to share God’s profound love and boundless mercy with the world through his ministry, Agapao Allelon Ministries, as well as his blog, Allelon.us. His mission? To interweave the principles of Agapao Allelon into society’s very fabric – embodying divine commandments such as Loving One Another and reflecting God’s immeasurable mercy, grace, and forgiveness in every aspect of our existence.
Drawing inspiration from 1 Peter 4:8, Bruce firmly believes that love possesses the transformative power necessary to turn an adversary into a friend. In accordance with 1 John 4:7-8, he maintains that without love one cannot truly know God. And guided by Ephesians 4:31-32, he consistently implores us all to embrace love wholeheartedly just as Jesus loved us.
Bruce Mitchell is more than just another voice in this vast universe; he embodies unwavering faith paired with heartfelt empathy for others’ struggles. As always, he serves as our wise mentor conveying insights gained from personal experiences while aiming not only to inspire but also to provide solace when needed most
Join him as he unravels the essence of God’s word and helps you apply it in your daily life. Let’s share the love, as Jesus commanded!
Pastor | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Writer | Advocate for God’s Mercy, Grace & Love in daily life | He studied at both Biola University & Dallas Theological Seminary | 1 Peter 4:8
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