Matthew 18:15: "If your brother of sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over."
The assumption is that there is a thin line between rebuking in love and judging. However, this is a flawed supposition because judging is something only done by God while rebuking in love is a matter for loved one, namely, family and friends. In terms of the aforementioned verse, we are called to challenge our fellow Christians to live in holiness and obedience. Yet it must be asserted that this verse addresses the proposition presupposing that the Christian must point out their brother's and sister's fault, not out of self-pride or domineering power, but of love both for the other and, more so, for God. But this rebuking arises not out of opinionated self-righteousness but from a sincere love for the other. In fact, any instance of telling another person about their perceived faults must come from a place of authentic devotion and compassion. Implied in this transaction is that the one rebuking and the one rebuked do, in actuality, possess a relationship of love and of closeness that warrants such direct correction as discipline of this sort is. Let us then take heed the words of Christ as we strive to love God and our brothers and sisters with an eye to heaven and holiness.
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