Any time we feel that God is pushing us to confront another Christian’s behavior, we must remember that we too are broken and will always be in need of God’s continual grace.
This is a delicate situation. You need to pray and make sure that your motives are in alignment with the scriptures.
“Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive each other, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done” (Ephesians 4:32).
We are called to speak to one another in truth and love even if it hurts someone’s feelings. It must be done in a manner of encouragement with the hope of repentance and restoration.
“But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).
Often times those who are acting out do not realize the impact that sin has on our lives and on those who are witnessing such behavior. To approach someone, ask permission of the person, pray and with gentleness and respect talk out your concern.
“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector” (Matthew 18:15-17).
The importance of confrontation is critical not only for the one who needs correction, but also for those who do not know Jesus and are witnessing bad, hypocritical behavior. We must call this out, in love, and not condone such behavior when asked by those who have witnessed it.
Most people who do not believe in God do so because of something that a Christian did or said to them. We Christians need to hold ourselves to a higher level of behavior.
When people see you or me, do they see Jesus?