Watch the video above and talk about it with a group or mentor. Learn more.

Giving compliments is great but what do you do if you need to correct someone? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Sometimes we hesitate to correct others out of concern that they will think we have a “holier than thou” attitude.  But correcting others is necessary. There are standards of right and wrong so at times we must correct others. Here are four principles to keep in mind when this becomes necessary.

Pray

Before correcting anyone it is important that you pray. You must be sure that you are doing this for the right reasons and with the right spirit.

Use Scripture

II Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

All scripture is profitable for teaching, rebuking and training. When correcting someone, use scripture to enlighten the issue at hand. Don’t correct because of your own standards or ethics make sure it is because it is based in scripture.

Correct in love

1 Corinthians 16:14 And do everything with love.

When correcting someone make sure you do this with a loving attitude.

Correct with Gentleness

2 Timothy 2:25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth

As well as correcting in love, it is important to correct with gentleness.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
  2. What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
  3. When was the last time someone corrected you?  How did you respond?
  4. If you saw a spiritual issues in a friend or family member, would you be willing to say something? What might prevent you from getting involved?
  5. How comfortable do you feel in using scripture to correct another person?  What are some actions you could take to become more familiar with the Bible?
  6. Why do you think the first step, before correcting someone, would be to pray?
  7. What is the desired result of instructing with a gentle attitude found in 2 Timothy 2 :25?
  8. Read James 5:19-20 How does this verse relate to the topic of correcting another believer?  Who is forgiving this person’s sin? Explain.
  9. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
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