Rebuking in Love – Day 3

My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. - James 5:19-20


Some people just like to argue and want to be right all the time. You may know someone like that who seems to confront everyone about everything. But God doesn’t tell us to confront others so we can be right and tell them they’re wrong. The goal is to save them from the destructive power of sin. If this isn’t our goal in rebuking someone, then we don’t have the proper attitude. Before you talk to someone about his problem, ask yourself why you’re doing it. Is it really to help him, or is this really about you? Remember, we have to rebuke others in love – not for our pride, not to make a point, and not because we don’t like them. Check your motives before you confront someone.

Think through the last confrontation you had. Why did you do and say the things you did and said?

Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit so you’ll be able to rebuke in love, rather than for selfish reasons.