"Yet
do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”
-
2 Thessalonians 3:15
Few things are more
difficult than confronting a sinning brother; much more difficult to do
lovingly. Every one of us wants to be confronted lovingly and respectfully if
we are caught in a sin, but when we find someone in sin, we really do the
opposite. We are harsh, quick to condemn, as if we fear others may criticize us
for associating with that brother in the past even in good works. This verse
tells us how to confront one another in a godly way. Paul gives two
Commandments here: how not to, and how
to.
First, confrontation
must be done without giving in to hatred. Oftentimes, we condemn a person; let
only God condemn a person. Also, we are not to treat him like an enemy. Even if
he is a real enemy, our Lord tells us to love our enemy. Furthermore, this
verse is not about ex-communication. Even in ex-communication, we are not to
treat him as an enemy, but as other sinners. We don't hate sinners; we love
them to be saved and look out for every opportunity to share the gospel of
repentance.
Second, we must
confront him in love. Remember, he is your brother, a family member. (Even if
he is not a Christian, he is still a brother in the sense, we all are created
in the image of God). Sin must be confronted because sin is contagious. It not
only kills the person, but infects others too. Both Old and New Testaments
commanded us to love not only our neighbors but also our enemies. We don't and
shouldn't participate in their sins, but we must open our arms wide enough for
them to see that there is forgiveness, restoration, and friendship in God's
love.
Have you ever said or
thought "I hate him," "I am really angry," "I don't
want to do anything with him," or "He is useless" when you talk
about a sinning brother? Would you ask God to change your heart? Maybe you need
the grace of God as much as he does!