4 Things To Consider Before You Confront Them {The Intro}

We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 

In this verse, The term "admonish" sticks out like a sore thumb. Perhaps we cringe at the word "admonish" because we have a few misconceptions about the idea. 

Let's be honest, we hate conflict, and admonishment screams confrontation! Our stomach flips inside-out when someone calls us out on our mistakes. 

Furthermore, we can't seem to develop the courage to address a sin issue in someone else's life. 

We associate admonish with words like "rude, hypocrite, embarrassing, unnecessary, uncalled for, and critical."

But, as much as we hate the word "admonish", God commands us to use this verb in our daily lives.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

So what does "Admonish" Mean?

[Admonish] to warn, counsel, exhort (Strong) || especially appeals to the mind, supplying doctrinal and spiritual substance (content). This "exerts positive pressure" on someone's logic (reasoning), i.e. urging them to choose (turn to) God's best (HELPS)

Although admonishment may involve chastisement, rebuke is not the essence of admonishment. Contrary to popular belief, to admonish a fellow believer is to love them. When we admonish our sisters and brothers in Christ, we point them to God. By pointing them to their best, we love them.

Why Should I Admonish? 

When listing evidence of a true believer, Paul says in Romans 12, "Let your love be genuine. Abhor what is evil, hold fast to what is good." To choose not to admonish is like saying "I don't hate sin enough" or "I don't love God's Children enough." Ouch! That's taking it a little far, isn't it? But, hey, sin is some serious stuff! 

 O you who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Psalm 97:10 

 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell. Mark 9:47

Save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Jude 1:23

We should admonish because sin is destructive and love covers a multitude of sin (1 Peter 3:18). If we watch a friend fall into a deep pit, we will do everything we can to pull them out, right? 

Excuses, Excuses!

Now, you might say, "I know this...I know spiritual admonishment is a GOOD thing."

BUT....the following lies/excuses hinder me from obeying God's command to admonish:

"It's not my place" 

"It's none of my business"

"I don't want to add more problems to my plate"

"She's my friend and I don't want to hurt her feelings"

"I sin too...I don't want to be a hypocrite" 

In this 4-part series, we will see how God's Word addresses these excuses. Admonishment requires godly motives and careful preparation. In the upcoming weeks, we will discuss four concepts to prayerfully consider before confronting a friend in need. 

{Part 1} Their Spiritual Maturity
{Part 2} Your Own Sin
{Part 3} God's Abundant Grace for You and Them
{Part 4} Why You Are Admonishing 

May we take God's command to "admonish one another" seriously. May God open our eyes to sin's consequences and our hearts to love others by protecting them from evil.