Is It Our Duty To Point Out Other's Sins?

[socalscout]

In highschool we had Mass every Friday before our football games. Every guy on the team would receive Communion but I did not because I was stained mortally and I new they were too. I said nothing and I was even asked if I was Catholic.

I still see that now at Mass with people I know as well as talking to cafeteria Catholics giving me their take on what they believe and not believe. I have met some that believe the DaVinci Code despite my rebutts.

Anyway I know to correct them with Church teachings when we have discussions but should I point out their sins if the topic is not religion? Do I have that right to assume what is in a person's heart and tell them they are sinful. Should I cast that stone?

What do you think?

I think yes even though ignorance may be bliss, for them.

[theculturewarrior]

This is an area that I myself have trouble with. As many of you know, I am a convert, and once upon a time, with my convert zeal, I fear I drove more people away from God than to him.

There is a fine line between correcting sinners, (which is a Spiritual Work of Mercy) and being judgemental. In the end, I think it is a question of style. Perhaps I have a beam i my eye, and I see a speck in my brother's eye. We both know that God will deal with me the way I deal with my brother, so if I try to get it out, I should most certainly do so with LOVE, generosity, kindness, etc. Then God will deal with me the same way.

Now, I'm not saying you have a beam in your eye. Indeed, it sounds like the shoe is on the other foot. But deal with them as you would have God deal with you.

Another good idea I've heard (I got this from Patrick Madrid's Search and Rescue) is that we really shouldn't spend more time trying to convince people about our faith with argument, rebuttals, etc., as we spend in prayer for their souls.

I'll be praying for your friends. When someone takes the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin, it really doesn't benefit them. It just makes things worse.

Edited May 29, 2004 by theculturewarrior

[PedroX]

James 5:19-20 (New American Bible)

My brothers, if any among you should stray from the truth and someone should bring him back, he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sin.


peace...

[jasJis]

It sounds like both of you have knowledge of tact. We are to admonish with love. That means not denying the truth, put knowing how to present it. Don't be afraid to not take communion and give the reasons why when confronted. Be prepared with through explanations.

I myself was a fallen away Catholic/Christian. Whenever I came across a confrontational Christian, it turned me off even more. Christians of many denominations gently shared their convictions with me in a manner that did not provoke anger, but were like grains in an oyster. They did not back down, but shared their concern for me. It took years, but I am thankful for their help and know they were channels of grace that led me back.

Yes, I wonder what would have happend if I got hit by a bus many years ago. But God is patient. Give people time. God waited thousands of years to bring us Redemption in Christ. Paul calls Christians to bring the Fragrance of Jesus to the world around us. Being a fragrance is being a presence that cannot be denied, but is not overwhelming the will and confrontational.

[Dave]

When I was in college and a new convert, I'd never see any of my Catholic classmates in confession (and I went every week, so I'd definitely have seen them if they came). And by their own admission, they'd go to Mass when they "felt like it." Yet whenever I did see them at Mass, they'd go right up to Communion! I wish I'd taken the time to correct them, but not knowing the difference between correction and judging, I was too afraid to say anything. It's something I really regret. I may have been young and stupid at the time, but even then, I should've known the difference.

[Anna]

I understand how you feel!

Probably everyone here does.

We live in a world steeped in sin. Our friends and acquaintences happily recount their sinful activities to us, thinking that everyone finds that sort of conduct acceptable.

As a mother, I'm often confronted with some other mother telling me about her contraception or sterilization, or her intentions to do so.

You also may have friends who boast, or at least speak freely of their immoral conduct, seemingly oblivious to the fact that they are offending God and neighbor.
Maybe they're bragging about some dishonest dealings, about getting drunk or high, about hurting someone, or sexual impurities, etc.

During those times, it's best to take a deep breath and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in the words you're about to speak.

Perhaps in certain instances, to say nothing is sufficient, since it becomes obvious that you are not in agreement. But other times, silence can be interpretted as approval, or at least enabling. Then, you must speak out.

My eldest son has a Catholic friend who will often put his foot down and refuse to engage in certain activities that could lead to trouble. My son sometimes jokes, "You know I'll be ok tonight, Mom, I'll be with 'friend's name.'" Even he knows that if he's tempted to do something wrong, he's got a friend who won't go for it. As a mom, I like hearing that my kid is going to be with a good friend.

You can always point to what is right; sometimes in your words, sometimes in your actions, sometimes in silence. Be strong, sure, and loving. Let God do the talking for you.

Pax Christi. <><

[Livin_the_MASS]

[quote name='PedroX' date='May 29 2004, 08:33 AM'] James 5:19-20 (New American Bible)

My brothers, if any among you should stray from the truth and someone should bring him back, he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sin.


peace... [/quote]
PedroX nice

[RandomProddy]

Let's see what the Man Himself has to say:

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

"How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

"You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

(matt. vii:1-5)

I won't wrest scripture to my own damnation...

[Oik]

There are many opportunities to share the Faith with others. We must not assume anything of the sin of others. We can not even judge. We can however explain the Faith and speak the Truth. Never be ashamed or afraid to share the Truth. Mostly offer prayes and also, it was mentioned that in those times of confrontation, pray for the HoLy Spirit's guidance.

As one Saint puts it, "Minister always, and whenever necessay, use words."