Breath mint, anyone?

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. — Galatians 6:2

A new Web site helps you tell a co-worker what you’re afraid to say in person. Comments like: “A breath mint would be beneficial today” or “Your cell phone ringer is very loud today” or “Your perfume/cologne is very strong on a regular basis.” You confront issues anonymously by having the Web site send an e-mail message for you.

It’s understandable that we’re cautious in talking to others about something that bothers us. But when it comes to confronting fellow believers about their sin, that’s serious. We might wish we could do it anonymously, yet we have to do it face to face.

Galatians 6:1-5 offers some guidelines for confronting a fellow Christian who is living a sinful lifestyle. The first requirement is that we’re close to the Lord ourselves, and that we don’t exalt ourselves as superior to the one who is sinning. Then we are to look at the situation as restoring the person, not bringing condemnation. We’re to have “a spirit of gentleness,” all the while keeping in mind that we too may be tempted. Jesus also gave instructions that can help us with issues of sin against us personally (Matt. 7:1-5; 18:15-20).

With God’s enablement we can courageously and sensitively confront and restore others. — Anne Cetas

Lord, give us courage to confront

Believers who have strayed,

And then with gentleness restore

By coming to their aid. — Sper

READ: Galatians 6:1-5

To help people get back on the right path, walk with them and show them the way.

The Bible in one year:

• Psalms 70-71

• Romans 8:22-39