Sermon Cloud

What do I do when… someone I love is making a poor choices.  Series: What do I do when…

I wish you could have known Dave… 2 Samuel 11-12

Today: What to do when someone I love is on a destructive path or making poor choices.

Three distorted views about speaking the truth.

#1. A distorted view of grace and love.

“In the end, serious reprimand is appreciated far more than bootlicking flattery.”  Proverbs 28:23 MSG

        Some times true love requires a serious reprimand. And we must care enough to confront and it is contrary to grace or love to speak truth.

        #2. A distorted view of the Christian Life

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another…”    Eph 4:25 NIV

#3. A distorted view of the Bible.

“Stop judging so that you will not be judged…” and a couple of verses down…. How can you say to another believer, ‘Let me take the piece of sawdust out of your eye,’ when you have a beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye. Then you will see clearly to remove the piece of sawdust from another believer’s eye. Matthew 7:1, 4-5 (GW)

Has there ever been a time when someone spoke truth to you and it helped you grow?

Four reasons why we would do this…

        1. It follows the example of Jesus. 

               Two key words:  Truth and Grace

#2.  Love demands it.

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”  I Cor 13:6 NIV

 “Oh, how I hated to write that letter! It almost broke my heart, and I tell you honestly that I cried over it. I didn’t want to hurt you, but I had to show you how very much I loved you and cared about what was happening to you.”  2 Corinthians 2:4 TLB

#3. It produces growth in people’s lives.

 “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”  Ephesians 4:15, NIV 

#4. It may save someone from death.

In, My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20 NIV

What do I do when… someone I love is making poor choices. Part 2       Series: What do I do when… 

Now the practical…How do we actually do this…

1. Get very clear about the issue.

 “…But the thing David had done displeased the LORD.”  2 Samuel 11:27, NIV 

2. Ask God if you are the one to address the issue.

“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” Proverbs 27:6

3. Address the issue in person.

 “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.” Matthew 18:15 NIV

“When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong.” Galatians 2:11NIV  

4. Be gently and wise in you approach, but be honest.

 “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” Galatians 6:1, NLT

(Jamie, leave additional space between 4 and 5 )

5. Pray that they will be open and receptive.

6. Assure them of God’s forgiveness. 

        Lord I love this person _________________ too much not to get involved. Give me the courage, grace, and love to help.