We hear a lot about minding our own business. There are scriptures to back that idea up. One that quickly comes to mind is: “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5). Another is, “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters” (1 Peter 4:15). This can make us very hesitant to point out anyone's mistakes.

When we get involved in someone's life it can seem meddlesome, but there are times when it becomes necessary in order to save someone. Scripture tells us: “He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding" (Proverbs 15:32). Confrontation can be difficult. Usually people can see their own sins, but sometimes they are unaware, or they convince themselves what they're doing isn't a big deal.

Restoring a sinning brother or sister in Christ must come from a humble heart, not a better-than-you attitude.  

We often step back from saying anything to others because we don't want to be hypocrites, or when challenged by the offender for speaking up, we feel guilty and apologize for bringing it up. But if that means the person continues in their sin and is at risk, are we really doing the right thing? Are we showing love?

We need to be caring for those at risk as well as watching ourselves. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

A humble heart

Does this mean that every time someone makes a mistake we jump to correct them? No, of course not. No one would want to be around us if we acted that way. We all sin and most of the time correct ourselves. The time to act is when we fear someone's Christianity is at stake. Restoring a sinning brother or sister in Christ must come from a humble heart, not a better-than-you attitude. Humility comprises meekness and/or gentleness. Meekness is not weakness, it is being able to control ourselves while still being strong and submissive to God. “Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed” (Proverbs 27:5).

When a Christian casts off the ways of God and pursues the wrong path, we may say to ourselves, “Well they get what they deserve, they made their choice!” But is that what God wants us to do? It takes a certain amount of nerve to point out a person's trespasses, but if their very Christianity is at risk, isn't it worth saving that person?

Of course, going to a brother that is not close to you can be difficult, so you may ask someone closer to help or the pastor. Sometimes prayer is all you can offer, but that too can sometimes be enough. You can pray that a friend comes to their rescue or that their eyes are opened to their sin.

We are told to emulate Jesus Christ and He was always seeking out those who had gone astray. His apostles too were going about correcting those who were acting inappropriately. The mere act of telling people to repent and be baptized was asking them to change their ways. In Galatians 2:11-14, Paul explains how he corrected Peter for his actions when he quit eating with the gentiles for fear of what the Jews would think. He learned from that correction.

It can be small or large sins that cause us harm. It can happen fast or be a sin that slowly drags us down. I remember getting correction myself. Some good friends sat me down and explained what I had been doing wrong. Was I happy to hear it? No. Was I anxious to correct my wrong? Not really, not at first. I, as most people, put up my defenses and tried to make excuses. It took me a while to accept what they were saying. I had to turn to God before my heart knew they were right. In the end, I accepted what they had to say and repented for my sin.

The point is that sometimes it is important for us to get involved. It may be the difference between someone remaining in God's way or leaving it behind.