Doesn`t it matter HOW one is doing it?
Are you gonna throw a hard ball or are you gonna try to actually reach that person?
To stand screaming you`re a sinner, you`re going to hell! Will never change anything. That person will not have a change of heart because of that. Just imagine, if it was the opposite, if you were the one that was shouted that. You would not listen or change, would you. No.
The point is not to scream or shout, or come with a statement about their sin. The point is really to REACH that person. To find out the deeper goings and to assist, only then can we facilitate change. They might chose not to correct. But we have much bigger chance.
And this is what the bible says. Go to your brother. if he listens, you have won your brother. If he doesn`t listen, take one or two with you. Probably a pastor of sorts. Or close family member or something like that. And if he does not listen then, tell it to the congregation and if then not listen don`t have anything to do with him, but show love still so his soul can be saved.
That is the bible. Nothing about shouting you`re a sinner, you`re going to hell and blast it.
Does`nt change anything. (and no, twistie this was not to you I believe you have acted correctly, I just prefer not to argue especially as I don`t have all information background)
Sure there will always be those that are not ready to come back or take long time or years. We don`t know that. This is why we have to still show love. Just think about if it was you.
I would be more interested in the story and background so I could work with them there. One doesn`t arrive to ungodly conclusion out of the blue. Something usually happens. If its teaching or worse. So I would say it is more about what we can do for that person to help them.
Think about Jesus. He said to the woman about to be stoned, go, and sin no more, neither I condemn you. And He alway say sin no more. Then we have the reality of demons and their influence on our thoughts and actions we can`t forget that either. There is so many dimensions to this. There are ways to discuss sin that reach beneath the surface other than a straight this is sin you are a sinner. I would say we have to reach deeper to reach that person because ultimately what else is gonna do it.
Dear Sister,
No one said anything shouting or being unloving in offering correction. In fact you are the one assuming that is the method one will use. Which I agree in some and maybe even in many cases that is exactly what is done, but those who do love the sinner, like our Lord did, must be able to identify the sin and communicate it clearly in a loving fashion so that there is no misunderstanding to the why and what for. Speaking in love, in caring for their eternal well-being, is the very reason you are communicating the sin in the first place, that you "know" (this can't be secondhand knowledge/gossip) is being committed by the individual you are seeking to help. Letting them know that as Romans 3:23-24 says, that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This doesn't excuse the sin but hopefully lets the person know if they don't already know, that it's not condemnation that you are speaking to them, but God's life saving grace through Jesus Christ!
The problem is that most people will identify the sin, then walk away as if they've done all that they are supposed to do. That is a negative!!! If you are willing to speak it, then you must be willing to walk with them to help them as well! Help them with that burden they may not even have known that anyone else actually knew of it! Maybe, not even themselves! The shame can be great, so understanding that, and being there with a helping hand is a must if you truly are so bold to confront a sinner, in their sin.
I appreciate what you have said, and it is truly a fine line, that one must walk if one is to do this. Prayer, and I believe Holy Spirit guidance is a must because it's not about like you have said shouting at them and driving them out of town on a rail. Though if in a church environment, and they don't accept the admonishing, then they just might have to be told to leave. With the knowledge that the door is always open for them to return. Paul speaks to this very thing to the church in Corinth.
That's is our hope in talking with others about sin. That the change really doesn't happen in a vacuum, but in the brotherhood of faith, in a Body of Believers called a Church with Jesus as the Head.
You have a good heart, Sister.
With the Love in Christ Jesus.
YBIC/Moderator
Nick
\o/
