The first response you get while trying to correct a Christian is;
How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your eye? - Matthew 7:4
If you are unfortunate, they won't bother getting to verse 4 of Matthew 7 since they know verse 1 is enough to shut you up. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged..." - Matthew 7:1
You don't want to trap yourself in an argument with an I-know-it-all Christian. Please take this advice from me. It is in your best interest.
The Bible is 31,102 verses, yet some people pick one to vindicate themselves. How sad.
In the search for God, I learned a lot. One thing that has helped me dramatically is always read the context in which the verse is found.
There was an event that leads to the birth of whatever you are quoting. What is it?
If you ever find yourself at a crossroads, unsure if you correcting your fellow brother or sister is right or wrong, this post could help a little.
First, there is a vast difference between judging a person and correcting a person. Because English is not my first language, I have chosen to visit the dictionary.
According to the Cambridge dictionary, to judge is “to form, give, or have as an opinion, or to decide about something or someone, especially after thinking carefully,” while to correct is “to show or tell someone that something is wrong and to make it right.”
In some verses of the Bible, judging others was condemned, yet we must not forget that the condemnation of the people who were found in this act was not because they were involved in the action, but because they were unfair, wicked, and hypocrites.
Imagine a thief judging one who has stolen a pot of soup to feed her family?
I am not trying to justify stealing. My point is that one who is not unright before Christ is not in the position to judge anyone.
Trust me; it is hard to find an upright person. I'm just saying.
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
- Matthew 7:1-5
To further help you, I have linked a post that will help you with Bible verses about judging others.
Fortunately, it is okay to correct your brother or sister in the Lord. Fun fact, it is encouraged in the Bible.
Yippy, it's time to correct away. Before you go crazy correcting, you need to understand some things.
Remember, any form of correction method you employ must be done in love. Christians go astray now and then. Note, this does not make them bad people but human.
Your responsibility is to correct them as encouraged in the verses below.
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of Christ.
- Galatians 6:1-2
Paul wrote to the church of the Thessalonians, sharing his progress and encouraging them to be steadfast. In verses 11- 14, he encouraged something most people will frown at today.
We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people, we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.
- 2 Thessalonians 3: 11-15
Please read the whole of 2 Thessalonians 3 to get the context.
My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
- James 5:19-20
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
- 2 Timothy 4:2
I hope this has been of help; to help you further, you will find some links at the end of this post to help you learn more Bible verses that encourage us to correct each other.
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