Dear Brother in Christ,
May I please share a thought on this subject with you. I do not mean to cause offense or embarrass anyone, but rather to engage in a meaningful dialogue in which perhaps we can all learn something.
I agree with and think you are absolutely right that you can’t argue anyone into heaven, and equally right that you shouldn’t fall into meaningless dispute, and debate, arguing the word, but we are called to defend, and to take a stand.
The Bible is very clear that when we see a brother or sister in error we are to go to them, and with gentleness confront them in love. We are to correct those who call themselves “Christians” especially when they’re misleading those who are babes in Christ.
If you see your brother or sister in danger would you not stand in front of them, or do what you could to help them? Would you just stand by and let someone beat them, or kill them? Would you not at least raise an alarm, yell, draw attention, beg for someone to call the police?
As Christians, we do not have to debate, but that does not mean that we aren’t to confront and to stand in defense of the Gospel. The Bible is full of stories of men and women who stood and proclaimed the “Word of God.” We are to proclaim God’s truth, and to stand against evil. We shouldn’t go looking for a fight, but nowhere in the Bible does it say that we’re to tuck tail and run.
Eleven of those who followed our Lord and Savior were all persecuted and died for their faith and belief in Jesus. Thousands upon thousands of men and women who aren’t living in the USA are martyred, beaten, jailed, and persecuted in all kinds of disturbing and horrific ways.
Are we just to sit by, and pray, “God, I sure hope You help them people.” I’m not downplaying the importance of prayer. Prayer is vital. Prayer is life affirming, transforming, and of eternal importance,” but prayer is not the end of our daily walk is it? Isn’t it the beginning? Then we go out and by giving the “Holy Spirit” our feet, our hands, our mouth, mind, heart, and soul we do as we’re led and go where He leads. Christians, lets certainly be people of prayer, but let’s also be people who put our prayers into practice.
Doesn’t the Bible teach that the “Holy Spirit” gives us all different gifts for the service of Christ. Some to prophecy, some to teach, ect… We as Christians, must believe what the Bible says and all that it says. A careful reading of the Scriptures will reveal much about the “Holy Spirit,” and His work in and through our lives.
wayneaugden 
Yes….as I always say, many Christians think of love only in the softer light…kind words, kind acts, compassion, giving…yes, all of these things are love; however, the Bible tells us over and over again that love involves correction, and to not correct someone is to hate them.
Titus 3:10-11 ESV
As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
2 Timothy 4:2 ESV
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
1 Timothy 5:20 ESV
As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
2 Thessalonians 3:15 ESV
Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
2 John 1:7-11 ESV
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
There are so many more. It is Biblical to correct, especially those who are spreading false doctrine..and there seems to be a lot of that going on these days more than ever.
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate your bringing some more clarity to this subject. In Him, Wayne.
I agree. I think it’s fair to say that we shouldn’t be offended when a brother or sister corrects us. But many Christians are. I don’t know if it’s a pride issue, or simply one of drinking milk instead of eating meat. Of course, that doesn’t mean that we don’t already know when we are out of line, after all that’s when the Holy Spirit prompts us. But it always helps to have confirmation.
I agree with you, Eddy. Yet, it’s understandable. We all tend to gravitate to what we’re comfortable with, and that which we do not fear, but in doing so, we often miss all that God has for us, and has planned for us to do. We must know all that the word says, and be willing to put it all to use both in ourselves, and in the lives we are led to touch. I love you, brother.
Amen brother Wayne! I appreciate the way in which the Holy Spirit led you in writing this. Praise the Lord! And blessings to you!
Stephane
Thank You Stephanie. I have to tell you that you are an awesome sister in Christ.! 🙂
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