244 – When Do We Call Each Other Out?

#faithbites #faithjourney call

A few days ago we talked about the corner “preacher” trying to make people change through fear, intimidation, and name-calling. The point of that #faithbite was to share God’s love with everyone and bring them into the family. In other words, you get more flies with honey than vinegar. But when do we call someone out? When do we help and correct each other?

I personally love the truth. I hate it at the moment but if someone calls me out in a loving manner and provides all the information that helps me. I’m not saying I wouldn’t get mad and brood for a bit while I process, but straightforward and direct is what we should do.

They key to any feedback, whether it relates to faith or not, is to come from a trusted, respected person who is doing it from a place of love and respect. The corner preacher definitely doesn’t do that.

Scripture on Correcting Each Other

• Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. – Galatians 6:1
• “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. – Matthew 18:15
• Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. – 2 Timothy 4:2

Reflection

When I first heard that corner preacher telling young women that they were going to hell for their promiscuous ways. Or that those drunkards would face the wrath of God. I was appalled. How is that coming from a God of love? One of our pastors commented that we should correct each other but it has to be the right way. In Galatians, we see that we should restore him in a spirit of gentleness and at the same time keep watch on ourselves. What great advice. Help don’t lecture. Be kind and keep yourself true. in 2 Timothy this is closer to the preacher on the corner (reprove, rebuke, and exhort) but very different in that it is done with complete patience and teaching.

I hope my friends will correct when I am wrong. As I am new to faith, and welcome the answers from those more learned than me. So far, all true believers, have done that with a spirit of patience, kindness, and gentleness. How do you respond to others?

Charge

How do you, correct people? It could be your friends, family, or children. Maybe a neighbor or a coworker. These principles of kindness, gentleness, and love apply in every situation. We all need to be corrected as part of life is learning. How will you correct someone going forward? Make a plan and try it out. Then ask for feedback. You may be surprised by the result.

Lord, help me to follow these words in my daily actions. Allow me to be kind, gentle, and loving when I correct someone. At the same time, allow me to accept that feedback in the kind, gentle, and loving manner it was meant.