What do you get when you cross a Frisbee with a life preserver? The answer is an invention called a ResQDisc. When a rescuer throws it to a drowning person, the light, durable cord inside uncoils, allowing the person to be pulled to safety. The device allows a rescuer to aid someone without jumping into the water himself.
When we see a person struggling, many of us are compelled to “jump in” and lend a hand. This reaction isn’t entirely wrong—at least spiritually speaking—for Paul writes, “If another believer is overcome by some sin . . . help that person back onto the right path” (Galatians 6:1). Helping is well worth the friction that often accompanies confrontation. It means outwardly confirming what the struggling person feels inwardly—the Holy Spirit’s conviction (Ezekiel 36:27).
Nevertheless, humility and gentleness matter when we talk with friends who are tangled in sin (Galatians 6:1). These qualities demonstrate God’s grace, and they guard us against spiritual pride. A finger-in-the-face approach may produce excessive guilt and shame, but tenderness welcomes struggling people out of isolation and brings them back to intimacy with God and other believers.
Believers “who are godly” are best suited for this kind of intervention (Galatians 6:1). Remaining strong in our faith has wonderful personal benefits—peace (Isaiah 26:3), strength (Galatians 40:31), and joy (Psalm 16:11). Even so, the benefits also extend outside of ourselves. When others need help, we’ll be filled and ready for God to use. Although ultimately “we are each responsible for our own conduct” (Galatians 6:5), it’s important to get involved when we see a fellow believer drowning in sin.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 23:1-39
More:
Look up 2 Thessalonians 3:11-15 and consider Paul’s advice for the way to deal with people who are struggling. Read 2 Peter 2:20-21 to learn about the danger of sin.
Next:
What kind of spiritual preparation may be important for someone who confronts the sin in another person? What’s God’s will for anyone who’s tangled in sin?
Wayne on September 6, 2013 at 5:11 am
Help friends and others who need I’ll help today,
Tomorrow it might be us !
jennifer benson schuldt on September 6, 2013 at 11:52 am
Good point Wayne. Any one of us may fall into a serious sin problem. I love the verse where Paul reminds us about how all believers function and work together as parts of a whole body: Ephesians 4:16. What a wonderful outcome when we’re interdependent as we should be!
tom felten on September 6, 2013 at 8:16 am
Jen, I was talking about confronting sin in others with some friends today. It’s true that we should gently and humbly address sin in the life of a fellow believer—speaking the truth in love. With unbelievers, however, it’s good to remember that a relationship with God and the work of the Holy Spirit will truly lead to them being convicted of their sins. So we can’t “clean them up” or expect them to be convicted of sin at the start of our relationship with them. Truly loving them can lead to deeper discussions of God, His holiness, and their need of salvation.
jennifer benson schuldt on September 6, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Tom, that’s so true. We can’t create an inner desire to do what is right in God’s eyes inside of people who don’t know Him. It’s best to show people love and kindness, no matter where they are in their spiritual journey.
Romans 2:4 talks about the relationship between our sin and God’s kindness–some good food for thought. 🙂
roxanne robbins on September 6, 2013 at 11:47 am
Excellent post, Jenn. So much to reflect and act on!
jennifer benson schuldt on September 6, 2013 at 11:52 am
Thanks Roxanne!