All of us at some stage find ourselves needing to speak to somebody else about their conduct. In fact, this is our Christian duty, as Galatians 6:1 tells us: ‘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.’
Love covers a multitude of sins, but sometimes sin needs to be confronted. It could be a brother or sister at church. It could be a child in the home. It could be a parent or a spouse. If the matter is mishandled, it can cause issues to remain unresolved and can permanently damage a relationship. How should we go about the delicate task of talking to someone else about some sin? Thankfully Scripture gives us all the guidance we need.
We know from 1 Timothy that there were significant problems in the church at Ephesus. Some had strayed from the truth and were teaching error (1:5). Some were believing ‘old wives tales’ (4:7). Some had fallen into the snare of the love of money (6:8-10). Therefore, in 1 Timothy 5:1-2, Paul instructs the young pastor in dealing with difficulties in the fellowship. In doing so, the apostle also gives all Christians four general principles that apply whenever we have to speak to a person who is sinning in some way.
— This article continues for ET members
