The other day I was reading a text and something just
jumped out at me big time! Something I had never seen before. I always remember
the part about forgiving those who hurt you, but . . .
Luke 17:3
(AMP)
3 Pay attention and always be on guard [looking out for one
another]. If your brother sins (misses the mark), solemnly tell him so and
reprove him, and if he repents (feels sorry for having sinned), forgive him.
Did you get that? Jesus says, to rebuke him, reprove and
correct your brother. WOW! No wonder so many Christians are falling by the
wayside! When you see a brother falling, Jesus’ brother says to snatch them
from hell-fire,
Jude 1:22-23
(AMP)
22 Refute [so as to] convict some who dispute with you, and
on some have mercy who waver and doubt.
23 [Strive to] save others, snatching [them] out of [the]
fire; on others take pity [but] with fear, loathing even the garment spotted by
the flesh and polluted by their sensuality.
Paul says,
Galatians 6:1-3
(MSG)
Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin,
forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might
be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those
who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you
think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.
Yes, we are to forgive are brothers and sisters, but don’t
be a milk-toast Christian! If you see your brother sin, rebuke him! You just
might be saving them from backsliding; and we all know that nobody ever has
assurance when and if they can repent in such a condition.
References:
Translations retrieved from http://www.biblegateway.com/
BibleGateway.com © Copyright 1995-2010 Gospel Communications International
The Message Bible (MSG)—Copyright ©
1993, 1994, 1995 by Eugene H. Peterson
**Amplified Bible (AMP)—Copyright ©
1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
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