I bet you would rather not confront the sinners in your life. Not only is the conversation itself often awkward, but most people are too proud and defensive to receive biblical correction. There’s a reason why the prophets were not the most popular kids in Old Testament times!
But confrontation is essential because unconfronted sin is like cancer. It grows and gets worse and gets dangerous. If no one says anything about her drifting from Jesus, she will end up very far from Jesus, perhaps for all eternity. If no one stops the pastor who uses his authority to bully his congregation into submission, people will walk away from organized Christianity once and for all. If you don’t speak up courageously about his drinking or her flirting or their lifestyle, there will be heartbreaking consequences, both physical and spiritual, right now and potentially forever.
God is saying to you what he said to Joshua: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Don’t let fear or discouragement keep you from humbly, biblically, and lovingly confronting a fellow Christian. It may not be a walk in the park, but it is the best option when someone God loves is caught in a sin.
Be strong, brother. Don’t be afraid, sister. God will be with you wherever you go, even if you are going into a confrontation today.
