Speak the Truth In Love

My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.” ‭‭James‬ ‭5:19-20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As followers of Christ, we are called to live out our professed faith in our daily practice. Our conduct should evidence of our relationship with Jesus. When we begin to demonstrate character and conduct that is unbecoming of the Lord Jesus Christ, a fellow believer should care enough to lovingly and truthfully confront us. The idea that people should "mind their own business" does not apply in respect to holding the family of God responsible for their actions. We are brothers and sisters in Jesus. We are supposed to look out for one another. The implications of disobedience and rebellion are disastrous. It is a matter of life and death. The impact and influence on other people should also concern us. The spouse, children, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. of such a person can become casualties because of seeds sown. There is so much at stake that we cannot sit idly by while a fellow believer unravels. It is better to upset someone with loving truth than to let them reproach the name of Jesus and destroy their lives, and others, with their decisions. This is a matter of rescue. After a storm, perhaps a tornado, it is better to do a rescue than a recovery. A rescue operation is when someone is still alive and has a chance at living. A recovery operation is when death has occurred. I believe we would all agree that we would, most definitely, rather rescue than recover. I'm not instructing any of us to be "nosy", meddling, or unnecessarily intrusive. We should all know our place. What I am advocating is concern and compassion for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We are the body of Christ. His Holy Name is borne upon our lives. We should remember this in all we do, think, or say. “But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.” ‭‭Jude‬ ‭1:20-23‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Do you care enough to speak the truth in love? Are you willing to let others speak the truth to you? We need each other. Let's help one another walk this road to glory.