Obligation To Speak Up

Suppose someone secretly entices you—even your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend—and says, “Let us go worship other gods”—gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known. . . . Do not give in or listen.

Deuteronomy 13:6, 8

IF A STRANGER TEMPTS US TO do something wrong, we’re usually not compelled to participate, and there’s usually no real fallout if we say no. But it gets messy when it’s a good friend or family member who’s tempting us. Even if we don’t give in, we tend to excuse or overlook the sin in those we love, thinking that we’re being loyal and loving to them.

In 2 Chronicles 20:31-32, we have the example of Jehoshaphat, who “did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight” but who didn’t deal with the sin in other people (signified by the high places where they worshiped idols and false gods). The result was a nation that continued into deeper sin, ultimately bringing severe punishment from God. Jehoshaphat’s role as head of the nation included confessing sin and taking decisive action to deal with it. The same is true for us as husbands and fathers and friends.

When Jesus was told that His mother and brothers had come to see Him, He took that opportunity to redefine what true family is: “Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). Jesus understands that we might face opposition from those closest to us, but He challenges us to take action anyway. Loving others includes graciously confronting them when necessary in the hope that they will repent and walk according to God’s will.

BOTTOM LINE

With humble, prayerful hearts, we should confront the sin we see in others for their own benefit, as God leads us to do so.

Moment of Strength: Luke 12:49-53