Christians: When should I speak up?

Contrary to one idiot who answered using the Judge not verse (out of context of course as usual) First, our attitude is very important. "Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive each other, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done" (Ephesians 4:32). It is then that we are more able to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). In his epistle to the Galatians, Paul had a similar warning about attitude: "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted" (Galatians 6:1). Here we see that those who are “spiritual,” meaning walking in the Spirit in faith and obedience, should gently restore someone who is in sin, being always aware of how easily we can all be tempted by Satan who wants to ensnare everyone in his traps.

The Bible prescribes the procedure for confronting a sinning brother or sister in an extensive passage on church discipline: "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector" (Matthew 18:15-17). Again, this is the procedure for confronting a sinning brother, not someone whose behavior you feel needs modifying in some way or someone who merely irritates or annoys you.

On a different slant, one of the most often quoted scriptures is "Judge not, lest ye be judged" (Matthew 7:1 KJV). Taken out of context, the verse has been used to incorrectly justify never taking a stand on anything that would require a judgment to be made. Rather, the verse is referring to hypocritical, self-righteous, unfair kinds of judgment, especially where the confronter is guilty of the same sin as the one being confronted.

So, when should Christians talk to or try to correct a fellow Christian? When we have talked to the Lord first, have an attitude of submission and concern for the other person, and are committed to following the procedures outlined in His Word for such a situation.

Sorry, the question is a little vague so I'm just addressing these scenarios in a general sense.

Quick tip about sharing the gospel. If they aren't Christian or follow a Judeo-Christian faith, they do not give a damn, and they don't want to have someone preaching at them. In that case I would say nothing because it's not going to be appreciated and often will just offend.

If you are hearing someone talking and you are not a part of the conversation, that is called eavedropping, it's generally considered pretty rude so again you aren't really going to find that your criticism will be well received. And why should it be? If this is not a conversation that involves you, who are you to start acting the judge? If it is a private conversation and you are hearing some of it out of context you will just come across as a bit of a dick.

Lastly if you hear somebody you know saying something that is uncool, it's okay to say something, particularly if you are a part of the conversation.

I've had that situation come up myself when a friend or family member has said something that has come from a place of prejudice or ignorance rather than out of humour. In that case I felt that it would be wrong to stay silent However it's a bit arrogant to claim that it is your responsibility. Sorry, I realise this is a bit harsh but it is not your job to enforce your own morality on anyone else.

We have to be sure of what we tell others is the truth from

the Bible. The only way we gain confidence to speak up to

those who do not know what they are talking about is to study

the Bible in order to gain an accurate knowledge of the TRUTH.

John 17:17 says: "Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word

is truth." Jesus always spoke the truth and expects his followers

to do the same. He also said these words: John 17:6 "I have made your name manifest to the men whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they

have observed your word." v.16 says "They are no part of the

world, just as I am no part of the world."

I tried going to a few different churches but did not believe in the

teaching that all good people go to heaven and all bad ones to hell. When I saw in the Bible that the earth is to be filled with

meek righteous people, I was ecstatic. Matthew 5:5 Jesus speaking. This will be in fulfillment of Psalms 37:10,11 and 29.

Why was this earth created in the first place? Psalms 115:16

As for speaking up for the truth, even the children of Jehovah's

Witnesses speak up for the truth, even to their teachers in school.

This is because of the training that Jesus taught his disciples when he was here on earth. Matthew 9:35-38 + 10:11-14

Our children are Bible trained from infancy. 2 Timothy 3:14 +15

as was Timothy.

Learn how you can stand firm for the truth at www.jw.org. Request your FREE personal Bible study on this site also if you like. Millions of men, women and children around the earth

are preaching the good news about God"s Kingdom as did Jesus.

Live your life to show that you love Jesus and others. Others will see it. When someone is slandering someone else, walk away from the conversation.

Relax

be yourself

If someone is being uncool tell them

Otherwise don't focus on the negative, the lost won't listen

instead be positive, and tell the truth

Wow...you are well on your way to obnoxiousness.

Your certainty that you are right and everyone else is wrong....is delusional.

Mind your own business and let others mind theirs.

How can you do this and follow the teachings of Jesus?

Judge not, remember?

Not means not.