There’s a big difference between correcting a brother in love and judging someone in condemnation. Too often, Christians get accused of being judgmental when in reality, many are just trying to walk out the call to accountability within the Body of Christ. But let’s be real—there is a stigma around this, and it’s time we clarify what the Bible actually says.

First off, we all fall short. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). None of us are perfect, and God alone is the righteous Judge. So correction is never about superiority—it’s about love and restoration.

For those who don’t yet know Christ, we don’t lead with condemnation—we lead with our testimony. We lead with grace. We love them where they are, just as Jesus did with us, and we pray that through our example they will see something different and be drawn to the light of Christ. That’s where repentance and salvation begin.

But for those in Christ, it’s different. When someone has accepted Jesus, they are now part of the Body, and with that comes accountability. The Word says:

“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two more with you… and if he refuses to listen… tell it to the church.” —Matthew 18:15-17 (NASB)

Notice the process: It’s gentle, it’s patient, and it’s grounded in love—not shame.

But Jesus also gave us this strong reminder:

“First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” —Matthew 7:5

We aren’t called to fix others—we’re called to shepherd one another. And that means speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), not out of pride or self-righteousness. Correction must be drenched in compassion, clothed in humility, and rooted in relationship.

Let’s stop confusing love-driven correction with harsh judgment. One brings healing. The other brings hurt. Our goal is always restoration, never rejection.

So today, ask yourself: Am I helping my brother or sister grow, or am I just pointing fingers? Let’s walk in truth, but never without love.

 

-Rev Carlos Figueroa