Speaking Up

Why is it important to confront others who are doing bad or harmful things?

God’s Response

When Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile Christians, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. Galatians 2:11-12

Peter was being a hypocrite, so Paul confronted Peter before his actions could hurt the church. You need to confront a person if what he or she is doing is self-destructive or hurtful to others. Note that Paul didn’t go behind Peter’s back or over his head. Instead, he went right to Peter. If you are convinced that someone is harming himself/herself or the church, try the direct approach. If you don’t say something, who will?

This Is Promising

The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. Proverbs 12:26