Volume 06, Issue 16: Take a Stand

What do you do when a family member or friend is acting out of character? Most of us just let it slide, look the other way. It is common that a dear one could be messing up big time, hurting self or others, and we act so above it all that it doesn’t even faze us.

Bad conduct should be confronted and dealt with. We must not simply look the other way and hope it goes away on its own. Bring it out in the open and deal with it in the authority of God’s Word.

If a loved one is engaging in promiscuity, substance abuse, or getting deeper into an immoral addiction, we shouldn’t just put up with it, or ignore it; not just as an erred spouse but also as friends and relatives.

We shouldn’t make ourselves at home with those behaving badly. We shouldn’t act as if everything is just fine when a friend or family member is persisting in an out of line behaviour. We can’t just go along with it, treating it as acceptable behaviour. Call it what it is and deal with it.

It’s cowardice to look the other way when a family member or friend is living in sin, hurting self or others. We must be honest with ourselves and with them and take a stand, speak up. Confront them in love. It might just be the wake-up call they need to shape up.

We have some responsibility for those within our community of believers, family and close friends. We need to decide when our brothers and sisters are out of line, and, if necessary, clean house.

Lillian Chebosi