Helping Friends and Family to Face Their Sin

Perhaps you saw the title and stopped to see what this post says out of a curious dread and incredulity, as if to say, “Why would I EVER get involved in someone else’s life like THAT!??”  Simply put, because that is what Christ did, and that is what Christ calls all of His followers to do.  It is selfless, sacrificial, and loving.  It is much easier to let your friend or family member suffer and ruin their life by their own sin.

Paul said it clearly to the church in Galacia: “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. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”   (Galatians 6:1-2 ESV)  Here Paul tells Christians (“you who are spiritual” as opposed to those who are fleshly) to gently restore the one who is caught in sin’s trap.  Paul describes the process of restoring another from their sin as helping them to bear a burden.  Nothing burdens us more than our own sin.  We do not take onto ourselves another person’s sin, but helping another to move toward repenting of their sin does lighten their load.  They will know they are not alone and that you love them as a Christ follower should.  Your caring presence may lend them the strength that is from Christ to repent once again.  Paul’s focus here is Christians helping other Christians to repent of their sin.  Yet the same principle of love should cause us to evangelistically help others who do not follow Christ.

Caution: if you cannot approach the other person out of love and concern, and if you are involved in the situation and have not dealt with your own sin regarding this situation, then do not approach the other person at this time.  Be prepared to walk with the person in a patient way because few people transform over night. Last, do not do this in your own strength, but depend on the strength of Christ that is yours (Colossians 1:28-29).  Study Matthew 7:1-5, Matthew 18:15, Luke 18:9-15, Galatians 6:1-10, and Acts 20:17-35 (especially verse 31–have Paul’s patience).  Pray for the Spirit to guide and teach and transform your thoughts, emotions, and attitudes.  When you are ready, let the Holy Spirit guide your words!

Take a break, click on this sentence, and listen to a fifteen minute discussion that can change how you approach people, and that can change their life forever.  Then you can click on the tab above, “Everyone Counsels”, to find resources that provide detailed teaching on helping others.