Discerning When to Correct or Expose Something or Someone

Often, correction is based on the feelings of the one who corrects. Whether or not they like us is a big factor. Very few people actually know us; they have observed a couple of things, listened to some gossip, made a judgement, and they are the ones who shout "don't judge" the loudest.

Correction is only legitimate if the one who wishes to correct saw the whole matter and has a discussion with us. It is not valid to correct someone with half the information and without discussion to discover truth.

Matthew 18:15 "“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother."

This pertains to when someone sins against you personally. If you see or hear about someone sinning against another person, this is not your business unless you are a part of what is going on. And even then, there must be a discussion about the matter with all parties involved.

Guessing what others are doing from afar is nosiness and is based on gossip, not facts.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one."

1 Timothy 5:13 "At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention."

This principle of "minding one's own business" does not mean that we neglect warning others about false prophets or public celebrities.

False prophets and prominent public figures are accountable to the public and must be exposed when in grievous error.

Ephesians 5:11 "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."

Matthew 7:15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."

Romans 16:17-18 "I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive."

2 Timothy 4:3-4 "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

When we know the Bible, we will be able to see when to act and when to remain silent. We will judge righteously rather than in error based on personal opinions or prejudices.

May each believer seek the Holy Spirit in everything so that we will be pleasing to God in our judgements and communications.