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For example, you know a fellow Christian who is caught in a sin and you want to confront that person about it so that they will repent, how do you do it without sounding judgmental?

Luk 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.


Luk 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

you can't

no matter what you say it will appear to be judging

It's really not up to you to say anything. Pray for them and let it be between that person and God. Why do you feel like you have the right to be all up in that person's business? That person knows what they are doing isn't right, that's why God gave us guilt.

You could ask them why they're doing it. That way you're encouraging them to give some thought to their actions, and giving them a chance to explain their reasons, rather than just telling them that you disapprove.

although the focus is on them, make your point "less about them". In that I mean, tell them about Bible verses, some story, or some facts you read related to that sin. show how those actions caused a lot of damage sooner or later. Do you know for sure that the person doesn't already feel sad about the actions committed and they just don't want to face it? If so, remind them that you will offer them the moral support that they need during this tough time. Remind them too that even though they've erred, you're not perfect either. Relating to the person through some way can really help the situation too.

If you genuinely want some serious practical guidance here, then here's a link to a very useful sermon preached on it by a faithful gospel minister.

http://www.petersburgbiblechurch.org/sermons2007/philsmith091607.mp3

I found it extremely useful. It's on Luke 17:1-4, but remember Galatians 6:1 too:"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."

Key word is gently!

I would also say make sure you are doing it with a loving motive.

This can be a delicate subject. It is wise to spend time in prayer first, to check our motivation and ask for guidance. There are times when Christians are called upon to "talk to" or try to correct a fellow Christian. Assuming we are talking about a matter of sin in a believers? life, our motive and intent should always be to bring about repentance and restoration to the erring brother or sister in Christ.

First, our attitude is very important. "Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive each other, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done" (Ephesians 4:32). It is then that we are more able to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). In his epistle to the Galatians, Paul had a similar warning about 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" (Galatians 6:1). Here we see that those who are ?spiritual,? meaning walking in the Spirit in faith and obedience, should gently restore someone who is in sin, being always aware of how easily we can all be tempted by Satan who wants to ensnare everyone in his traps.

The Bible prescribes the procedure for confronting a sinning brother or sister in an extensive passage on church 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 slant, one of the most often quoted scriptures is "Judge not, lest ye be 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 person who is confronting, 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 talked 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.

hello,
you can start out with prayer for them .you can also read gal ch 6 (to get yourslf in the right spirit ) ask God whether or when you should confront the person and also what you should say ,all the while considering yourslf (not going about it in a haughty or spirit of superiority ) ,. but love and concern for the person .just let thm know you love and care for their well-being.

Well, really, to be technical, I'm in a similar situation right now. You are judging an others actions as sin, according to the Bible, passing judgment is in itself a sin. How would I go about telling someone this? Simple, the way I just did, start with what the Bible says, point out how the persons actions don't obey it, and then move on, we each have our interpretation of sin. So naturally, by assuming yours is the correct interpretation, you are in essence being rude by telling someone that their actions are wrong, without realizing that to another being your actions are wrong as well. You don't stop children dress as another gender for Halloween, and tell them that they're sinning for cross-dressing, you don't tell a woman that lying is a sin, when she's only lying to hide a surprise party for her husband, yet those are sins. So, what gives you the right to decide which sins are the sins that people can live in, which are the ones that are truly wrong? There is no way to not be rude in acting immature, and inconsiderate.

First of all, take out the word CONFRONT totally. If you are being confrontational, you have already lost your credibility. Replace it with the word, "talk" you want to talk to a fellow bretheren or sister about a sin they were caught in? So that they will repent? Ask yourself some questions.

1. is this word of mouth or did you see it for yourself? where you present at that time?

2. Do you know for a fact that the person has not repented already?

3. Has this person cited their guilt for anything? (remember, Satan sits up there accusing us all day and you do not need to be guilty of that.)

4. Would it better for you to pray for this person, then go to them and say, "I have heard it all, I just want you to know that this too shall pass, and I have prayed for you?"

You cannot make any one repent. You can ask them if they have gone to the mercy seat, and if not you can tell them, forgiveness is there.
This persons trials, tribulations and errors are not about you. You show a loving and concerned spirit in wanting to help this person, but, why are you wanting to help them, is this pure from your heart which is clean of error? For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.

Now, do not misunderstand what I am saying to you, what I am saying is that before you approach anyone, pray in the spirit to have humility and understanding, an open ear and a tongue with loving kindness, that is what wisdom teaches, and all wisdom comes from God.

You know, search yourself prior, your shortcomings and infirmities if there be none, then Go to your brother and correct him, tactfully, gently and in love. Let it be about your love for your brother and not being self righteous. Pray, God will give you what to say if it is for you to speak on anything about your brothers transgressions.

Paul told us how to get it done, and I would say, before you do, Go to 1 Corinthians 1:3-9. It tells us about how to handle disputes and disagreements in love and humility with our fellow members of the church.

Study this, and focus on what Paul is teaching, what it means and what he is really saying.

Corrections christian to christian is always done in love, tact and with a spirit of truth.



Consult 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

I guess you, yourself are without sin? Your question reflects poorly on all Believers around. You have no right to point out the sins of others without looking first, at yourself.

Leave the judging for God and just pray for this person. Don't be a meddler.
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