Loving Correction

James 5

There are several great verses in this chapter, but I'm just going to focus on a small part for today.

James 5:19-20

My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should

bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way

will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. 

James is speaking to fellow Christians and tells me that if a fellow Christian wanders from the truth, I need to point that out.  The footnotes in my Bible noted this could be someone who professes to be a Christian, but doesn't have a genuine faith or it could be a Christian caught in sin and needs restoration.  It is my job as a Christian to lovingly speak the truth and point out the sin that the wandering Christian is caught in.  In doing so, the Christian caught in sin will hopefully see their sin and recognize their need for forgiveness from God.   

Pointing out a fellow Christian's sin is different from being judgmental.  Being judgmental carries a negative connotation with it.  It is often based on personal opinions and involves harsh criticism intended to put someone down.  It comes out of a feeling of being better than someone else.  Showing a Christian the error of their ways involves speaking the truth out of love and a desire to see that person restored to his/her relationship with Christ.  It involves walking alongside and helping that person get back on the right path in their walk with the Lord.  Proverbs 27:6 says, "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."  A true friend will be willing to point out the wrong even though it may hurt temporarily.  

In Luke 6:37-42, Jesus addresses some of the issue of judging.  It is not my place to pick out other people's faults and what I think is wrong with them, but it is my responsibility to help lead a Christian back to where he or she needs to be in their Christian walk.  There is a critical aspect to this, however.  I have got to make sure my walk with God is pure and that I am right before God before showing another Christian where he/she is sinning.  When I point out a sin, I need to do it with humility and integrity.  If they are not interested in repenting and choose to continue in sin, Matthew 18:15-18 lays out the steps that should be taken to help try to win that person back in a loving way.  

As difficult as it may be, I need to speak the truth in love and correct another Christian if he/she is straying from what God says is right.  It must be done, however, with a heart of humility and not out of a prideful, "better than you" attitude.  It may cause some friction for a little while in a friendship, but it will be worth it all in the end if that person turns and seeks forgiveness from God.