Safety in a Dangerous World 2

It is so easy to systematically destroy relationships with people around us, without even realising it. Rather than blundering on in this destruction, let's consider what God says for our good in relationships. We may fail in loving people enough to rebuke them when they are sinning. Or even failing to receive a rebuke from a friend. We also need to consider whether we should actually rebuke someone or not. When is it wrong? Luke starts by showing that we rebuke for sin, not because our personal preferences have been impacted. You can't rebuke people for things you imagine them to have done. But when there is a sin issue, you could ask yourself whether that person is actually disobeying a principle of Scripture. What principle? Is this sin affecting other people, making it easier for them to sin? Is this bringing dishonour to Christ? There are five steps to follow when you rebuke. Deal with your own sin first. Rebuke for the right reason, with the right attitude. Remember that you are going as God's agent--sin is primarily against God. Use the right approach; don't do surgery with a shotgun. Be prepared for people's angry response and be gracious in return. If you are rebuked, don't rush to justify yourself. Listen and learn. Understand. Thank them and thank God. Evaluate your life before God. Confess your sin to the people you have sinned against. Forgiveness is the correct response to a person's acknowledgement and confession of sin. It is a transaction that actually deals with sin. It makes a promise to no longer hold that sin against the offender. These principles are both indispensable and wonderful. Use them.