Many people today, despite their wrongdoings, do not want to be judged or told that they have done something wrong. They have a mindset that dictates they should not be judged according to their actions but rather based on how they perceive themselves.
If you tell them that what they did was wrong, they will do their best to reverse it, seek sympathy from others, and eventually vilify you, labeling you as judgmental.
They may also assert that it is not right to judge because we are all sinners. Then, they will find a fault in you and use it against you, claiming you have no right to judge them since you are no better.
First, let's discuss why they think this way.
Everyone possesses kindness within them. They might exhibit kindness towards their family, and friends, and give to the less fortunate. This forms the basis for their self-evaluation. They believe that being generous and kind makes them good people, diminishing the significance of other wrongdoings.
I know a few people who run businesses promoting sinful activities. Yet, because they provide jobs for many people, they consider their actions good, despite their business promoting sin.
I also know individuals who earn their livelihood through sinful means, but they see themselves as good and kind because they can provide for their families.
It's like saying that Robin Hood is good because he shows compassion, even though he breaks the law.
As a Christian, I believe it is our obligation to correct things and ideas that promote evil in this world. If no one points out their neighbors' sins, people might assume such behavior is acceptable. In this era, many people think the evil deeds they engage in are justified.
Look at what's happening in other countries. People openly commit immoral acts in broad daylight without fear because others remain silent. Consequently, many people have been indoctrinated to believe that their evil ways are not a sin.
People sin daily and will continue to do so until they die due to the numerous temptations in the world. However, this doesn't mean we lack the right to correct others. If that were the case, why do we have judges who convict criminals? Judges are not without sin, but their daily transgressions do not invalidate their capacity to make sound judgments.
Even though we are sinners, as long as we aren't committing the same sin and are repenting for our wrongdoings, we should not be afraid. We should also consider correcting others' sins based on the teachings of the Holy Bible, and not merely by our personal judgments.
People might use certain verses against you when you try to correct them.
Matthew 7:1 -3 Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
They use this as a way to hinder you from correcting them, but this passage doesn't convey that interpretation. This judgment means refraining from judging others if you are also committing the same sin.
Let's say you are a corrupt politician who, even though not directly stealing from people's pockets, is appropriating what isn't rightfully yours and hasn't been earned through your efforts.
In this case, you lack the authority to judge thieves because you are also committing the same sin of theft. However, this doesn't imply that you lack the right to judge individuals who are inflicting physical harm on others. Despite being corrupt and taking from the people, you do not condone violence.
God also cautions us against causing and influencing others to sin.
Matthew 18:7
“Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!
If you are someone who promotes sin and tells people that it's okay to engage in such activities, then woe to you. Influencing people to commit evil deeds is bad and will be subject to God's punishment.
It is our Christian obligation to correct people whom we know are sinning, but we should approach it in a gentle manner that avoids causing them humiliation.
Galatians 6:1-2 says, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.
One of the reasons I believe people dislike Christianity is that many Christians often confront others with their sins in a confrontational manner, causing feelings of humiliation. God's instruction is for us to guide someone away from sin with gentleness.
We need to examine our intentions for correcting them. Our purpose should not be to elevate ourselves above others, but rather to guide them toward a better life free from sin. This way, many individuals can be saved from the fires of hell.