What New Testament teachings align with Leviticus 19:17's call to rebuke sin? Seeing the Thread: Leviticus 19:17 “You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him.” How Jesus Echoes the Command • Matthew 18:15-17 — “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately…” – Personal, face-to-face correction before broadening the circle. – Goal: gain the brother, not shame him. • Luke 17:3-4 — “If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” – Rebuke and forgiveness walk hand in hand. – Refuses to let bitterness take root, just as Leviticus warns. Truth in Love: Paul’s Counsel • Galatians 6:1-2 — “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness…” – Restoration, not retaliation. – Bearing burdens keeps hatred out of the heart. • Ephesians 4:15 — “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ…” – Love seasons the rebuke; truth gives it backbone. • 1 Thessalonians 5:14 — “Admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” – Different needs, one patient heart. Pastoral Mandate to Rebuke • 2 Timothy 4:2 — “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and instruction.” – Rebuke is normal shepherding, not optional. • Titus 1:13 — “Rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith.” – Sharp when error endangers souls; aim is spiritual health. Church Discipline in Practice • 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 — Paul commands removal of the unrepentant man. – Love for the sinner and the body requires decisive action. • 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 — Same man is restored once he repents. – Discipline without hatred; forgiveness without laxity. Rescuing Wanderers • James 5:19-20 — “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” – Rebuke as life-saving intervention. • Jude 22-23 — “Have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire…” – Courageous confrontation motivated by mercy. Key Principles That Mirror Leviticus 19:17 • Confront sin directly, not by harboring secret resentment. • Keep the goal redemptive—winning the person, not winning the argument. • Couple rebuke with forgiveness and restoration. • Maintain gentleness and patience, yet refuse to compromise truth. • Protect the wider community from the ripple effect of unaddressed sin. Living It Out Today 1. Examine your heart first; hatred disqualifies righteous rebuke. 2. Approach privately whenever possible, following Jesus’ pattern. 3. Speak Scripture, not opinion, so the rebuke carries divine authority. 4. Stay available for repentance and reconciliation. 5. Trust the Spirit to use loving correction to preserve purity in Christ’s body. |
    |