Christian Police

Jesus called us to do many things. Most importantly, He said we are to love God and love others.

Some out there live to confront others when they perceive wrongdoing. They point to scripture as their "instruction" to do so. This is an error of the greatest magnitude. This is misrepresentation of scripture - Satan's biggest tool!

Commonly misquoted verses:

Galatians 6:1

"Brothers and sisters, if a person is caught doing something wrong, you who are spiritual should restore someone like this with a spirit of gentleness. Watch out for yourselves so you won’t be tempted too."

It is claimed that the focus is on the "restore" part of the verse. This is clearly erroneous. The clear intent of the verse is if someone is caught (think a situation like Jim Bakker), then restore them gently. This is the same as to minister to someone. The idea is to restore and do so gently.


Matthew 5:23-24

"Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift at the altar and go. First make things right with your brother or sister and then come back and offer your gift."

Folks that wish to use this as a reason to confront others. WRONG! This is about a situation when you recall that another man has something against YOU.


Luke 17:3

Watch yourselves! If your brother or sister sins, warn them to stop. If they change their hearts and lives, forgive them. Even if someone sins against you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times and says, ‘I am changing my ways,’ you must forgive that person.”

Notice that I added verse 4 - it is important to read entire passages as opposed to singular phrases. This segment is clearly about forgiveness, not about confrontation. 


Matthew 18:15

“If your brother or sister sins against you, go and correct them when you are alone together. If they listen to you, then you’ve won over your brother or sister."

This is the first true example of instruction to confront. The caveat is, it must be when the person sins against YOU. It is not to be confrontation about sin in general. By the way - the (not-so) funny part is that this verse leads directly into a parable which teaches about forgiveness. 


Confrontation
So, is there a time and place to confront another about sin?
Simple answer: Yes.
But not nearly as much as so many "Christians" want.

It would seem Christ wants us to focus so much more on forgiveness. Confrontation makes forgiveness difficult.

Is this a passive-aggressice approach?
Nope. It is Christ's instruction for us. 


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