How Do You Confront Another Professing Christian Who Is in Ongoing, Unrepentant Sin? Part 1 of 2

Written By Bryan Hurlbutt

This week we start to address the complex issue of how Christians should approach and confront a fellow believer engaged in ongoing, unrepentant sin. The emphasis is on doing so with grace, patience, and love, highlighting the importance of careful consideration, genuine care, and appropriate motives in such confrontations. This week we will go over these initial five thoughts that need to be at the forefront as we approach them.

Key Insights:

  • Careful Approach: Avoid assumptions and imputed motives. Engage in open dialogue, ask questions, and listen attentively.

  • Care-Filled Engagement: Approach the situation with a heart full of genuine care, prioritizing sadness and concern over anger.

  • Private Confrontation: Initially address the issue privately to prevent gossip and minimize defensiveness.

  • Self-Assessment: Ensure your own motives are pure and aligned with love, not irritation or resentment.

  • Motive of Love: Focus on the best interests of the individual, aiming for their restoration and well-being.

  • A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
        but a wise man quietly holds it back.

  • If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

  • A soft answer turns away wrath,
        but a harsh word stirs up anger.

  • Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

  • Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

  • For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.

  • Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Reflective Questions:

  1. What steps can I take to assess and purify my motives before addressing someone else's sin?

  2. In what ways can I ensure that my confrontation is rooted in love and focused on the other person's best interests?

  3. How can I maintain a balance between truth-telling and love to foster genuine restoration?

Bryan Hurlbutt

After years of preparation and seeking the Lord’s direction, Bryan moved to Utah in 2004 for the sole purpose of founding Lifeline Community. Born and raised in upstate New York, Bryan received his bachelor’s degree in religious education from Davis College in Johnson City, New York, and his master’s degree in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. His doctorate of ministry from Talbot School of Theology focused on how worldview, philosophy, and culture relate to the local church, which culminated in the release of his first book, Tasty Jesus: Liberating Christ from the Power of our Predilections, published by Wipf and Stock. A true scholar and pastor at heart, Bryan longs to merge the life of the mind with life in the Spirit. His primary passion in ministry is discipleship, as evidenced by the various ministries at Lifeline, with the intended result that Lifeline be the kind of church that no one ever outgrows. Bryan is married to Jennifer and they have three daughters. He is an avid runner, a devout Syracuse Orange fan, and his favorite hobby is discussing world views and theology at ANY time in ANY place.

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How Do You Confront Another Professing Christian Who Is in Ongoing, Unrepentant Sin? Part 2 of 2
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