Have you ever noticed when a person is caught in a sin, they often respond this way? When on the receiving end of such an exclamation, you often find yourself with your hands in the stick-‘em-up position, saying something like, “Whoa, don’t kill the messenger!” A sinner’s conscience prompts a multitude of defenses to thwart the pressure of acknowledging guilt, including, but not limited to, launching an offensive against whoever happens to expose said sin. “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret” (Ephesians 5:11-12).
As the old proverb goes, “Sometimes the best defense is a good offense.” That’s something the human flesh loves to abide by. However, in the case of godly living, it’s wholly inappropriate. There is no defense against Truth or the bearer of it, “If God is for us, who is against us” (Romans 8:31)?
In my line of work, I am exposed to this kind of an exchange quite a bit, as you might imagine. I don’t go looking to call out sin in others, but what I teach stings the active sinner. As a pastor, I have been commissioned by the Lord, Himself, to tend His sheep. Being our “Great Shepherd” (Hebrews 13:20), he instructs us undershepherds to use the same methods that the humble Psalmist found comfort in, “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalms 23:4). Both the “rod” and the “staff” are necessary instruments of a good shepherd, which means that both discouragement and encouragement are necessary, respectively (discouragement of the flesh and encouragement of the new creature). If someone rejects either the rod or the staff, we must understand that they are really taking offense with the Holy Spirit who convicts them of the truth, not the messenger (me, in my case; you, in yours).
For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.
— 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8
The truth is that there’s a fundamental difference between an arrogant sinner and a humble one. The prior reacts as described above, whereas the latter confesses, agreeing with God regarding their sin. This fundamental issue tends to compound itself over time, where arrogance keeps humility at bay, resulting in a type of premeditated momentum towards unholy living. This is just awful to observe, like watching a car wreck in slow motion. Let that sink in for those of you who are engaged in such activities right now in your own lives. Are you going to be arrogant about it? If not, then listen up, for I write what I do out of love.
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.
Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load.
The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
— Galatians 6:1-10
There are three things in particular worth noting in the passage above. First, it is placed upon us fellow believers to “restore” a person “caught in any trespass” (v1). The Greek word for “restore” is translated from a word that means “to repair a dislocated joint”. The perfect example is giving a person Holy Scripture. As far as I understand it, there’s a lot of pain in putting a dislocated joint back into its socket, so they might react negatively to it. But the good news is that afterwards, the pain of dislocation is completely gone.
A good friend seeks to restore a “dislocated joint” in the Body of Christ, regardless of how painful the process of doing so might be. Our job is to ensure that the sinner understands we are merely instruments, not the power source, though we are privileged to serve in such a capacity. When the Word is the recognized strength behind our deeds, both the giver and receiver are relieved of personal affronts (we are not personally offended by someone else’s sin, nor are they offended with the truth we present regarding it).
Second, as Paul taught, “The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him” (v6). While the context reveals the relationship between shepherd and sheep, the principle is the same for everyone who teaches another person the Truth (every believer, when equipped, can teach another in the faith). A humble person will accept all correction from the Word of God, even sharing their gratitude with the “messenger”. Like the physical analog, a joint put back into place is cause for much rejoicing.
Third, Paul gives us our motivation for engaging a sinner, “for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (v7-8). We don’t want anyone we love to suffer at their own hands as a result of ongoing sin in their lives. In fact, as Paul wrote, “while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (v10). We need to let those with a tendency towards arrogance know that we approach them out of love and respect for truth. We are not interested in judging them. Our motivation is that they are healed, set back “into joint”, left to enjoy sweet fellowship with their Lord.
As believers wielding the truth, we are not called to hide in caves and turn a blind eye to sin. In fact, just the opposite is true, ”But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light" (Ephesians 5:13). Even so, I suggest you don’t run about as someone who points fingers (remember, when you point a finger, there are three pointing back at you). There’s a balance to be struck, and our own humility to think about (Matthew 7:1-5). Even Jesus focused on giving the Gospel above all else, something impossible for anyone to do if we spend all of our time pointing out sin in others.
Let us pray to God about when the right time to approach others about sin is; let us always do so within the sphere of true love. And above all, may our hearts be forever oriented to spreading the good news about what Jesus Christ has accomplished on the Cross, for we are all sinners saved by grace.
Love in Christ,
Ed Collins
