Consider with me an example of two different brothers in Christ. Both brother number 1 and brother number 2 have committed a sin, and another brother was audience to it.
Brother number 1 is approached in meekness by his brother about his sin because of concern for his soul. But brother number 1 excuses his sin because of the situation he was in. He says the situation made it difficult for him to not sin. He goes on to tell his brother that he is not the only one who ever commits this sin. In fact, he says, he knows another brother who has done a whole lot worse than what he has done. He tells of another brother who has even publicly preached about how that sin should not be named among brethren, but that he believes that the preaching brother has a different sin that he needs to take care of, as if to suggest that his own self-excused sin does not need to be taken care of because someone else has a sin that needs attention. In addition, brother number 1 is suspicious of his brother’s intentions in bringing his sin to his attention, suggesting he has some ulterior motive for doing it. Brother number 1 tells his brother that he needs to mind his own business.
Brother number 2 is approached in meekness by his brother about his sin because of concern for his soul. Brother number 2 stops and considers what his brother has brought to his attention. He then admits that he committed that sin, and he repents and confesses his sin to God, asking His forgiveness. He asks his brother to pray with him, and he does. The concerned brother offers brother number 2 any help and encouragement he can give. Brother number 2 thanks his brother for coming to him, and they shake hands in brotherly love.
Brother number 1 and brother number 2 represent two very different attitudes and two different wisdoms. “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:14-17)
Which brother are you? Let us not be like any part of brother number 1. Instead, let us resolve to be like brother number 2 as well as the concerned brother. -Larry Jones