Often people who are caught up in a sinful lifestyle will throw out the "you're judging me" card if their sin is exposed. Too often in the church, sins are not corrected at all. We are told, however, in Ephesians 5:11 that the shameful deeds of darkness are to be exposed.
But at the very beginning of the chapter, Paul tells us to "walk in love, as Christ loved us". Part of loving someone far from God is helping them come to know Christ. Part of loving a fellow believer is correcting sin when we know of it. There is, though, a fine line between judgement and correction - and that line is love.
Part of lovingly speaking to someone about a sinful lifestyle is to remember that I was once the same way. And not only was I once, I am still a sinner who is in need of correction from time to time. The longer I walk with God I hope I will recognize His correction through Scripture and will be wise and not need human intervention. But no one is immune to sin - human intervention may be necessary in the life of any believer at some time.
Those who need to know and understand the love and grace of Jesus Christ need to be in church. They need to know they are loved by God and by His Church. When they do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, they can not be expected to live as a Christ follower should live. They are dead in their sins but while they are still sinners, Christ died for them.
It's when a person claims to be a follower of Jesus Christ, claims to be saved, but is living with a boyfriend or having sex with a fiancée or is getting drunk every weekend or some other destructive behavior - and doesn't try to hide the fact so that the lifestyle is clearly seen and known - then the Church must intervene. I love this story from a couple at NewSpring and a small group that loved them. When Christ is honored and truth is spoken in love, HE changes people and corrects the sinful lifestyle.
hello! i accidentally came across your blog whilst googling for the psalm of "my body longs for you", and i am now hooked. your writing is so encouraging, yet challenging at the same time, which i think must show a deep reflection of the person you are and the path God has led you on. thank you for sharing - you are a blessing. It's such a difficult thing, trying to challenge someone about their behaviour, because more often than not, they already know that they're in the wrong and don't understand/know Jesus enough yet to realise how much it hurts him, as well as themselves. It's very sad, and even after challenging people in true love, they still remain unchanged... that can be quite discouraging. i think a lot of Christians - especially young ones - are quite confused by the pick-and-mix religion culture that we live in. i dont know how it is where you are, but here in the UK, it's the 'fashion' to accept part of different religions and leave out other bits, and you end up with a sort of happy-go-lucky-christian with no deep understanding of the Word. of course, there are older people who do that too.. and its very hard to get through to people such as them... so its very important to remember to keep praying for them even when theyre too stubborn to listen or change, and NOT give up on them too quickly when they seem reluctant to go deeper in their relationship with Christ :)
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