"Wisdom in Dealing with Fellow Christians Who Stray from the Word"

Dealing with Christians who are not aligning their lives with the Word can be challenging, but it is important to approach the situation with wisdom and love. Here are some wise ways to deal with such situations:

• Approach them in love and gentleness: When addressing the issue, it's important to approach the person with love and gentleness, not with judgment or condemnation. Scripture encourages us to speak the truth in love and to restore others with gentleness. Ephesians 4:15 says "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.", and Galatians 6:1 says "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted."

• Pray for them: Pray for the person and ask God to guide you in the situation. Prayer can bring about change in their hearts and in our own hearts as we seek God's guidance and wisdom.

• Use Scripture to address the issue: Bring up specific scriptures that address the issue at hand. For example, if someone is struggling with gossip, bring up verses such as Proverbs 11:13 "A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret." and James 1:26 "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless."

• Offer support and accountability: Offer to support and hold the person accountable as they seek to align their lives with the Word. This could include regular check-ins, prayer, and encouragement.

• Seek wise counsel: If the situation becomes more complicated, seek the counsel of wise and mature Christians who can provide guidance and support.

An example of using scripture to address the issue can be found in Galatians 6:1-2, which says,"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

This verse encourages us to approach others in a spirit of gentleness and to offer support as we help each other align our lives with the Word.

Amanda Allen

Write & Blogger

www.KingdomRevelations.com