Is it loving to point out the fault of others?

Should I tell my co-worker that her cursing and swearing is inappropriate language? Should I point out to my friend that he really is drinking too much? I don't want to be a nag. Nor do I want to be seen as a "goody-two-shoes."

Pointing out someone else's faults can be wrong, especially if all I want to do is be mean or make myself look good.

Calling someone's attention to their own sin can also be the absolutely right thing to do. When I do this in order to help someone get out of a dangerous lifestyle, I am helping that person. It's in this spirit of helping that God says to us: "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you may also be tempted. Carry each other's burdens" (Galatians 6:1,2).

Part of carrying the burden for my friend is telling him plainly that his sin is harmful to himself and others. That's a difficult thing to do. But when I remember how God says I should do it - "gently" - it sure helps.

I remember how I am every bit the sinner my friend is. I don't point out his faults because I am better than he is. I speak to him gently about his shortcomings because he is one of God's creatures who has been forgiven for Jesus' sake. True love demands that I help someone like that live in a way that says "thank-you" to God. One way I can do that is to help him understand how he is living apart from God.

True love also means I'll choose my words carefully. I'll be humble. And I'll ask him to do the same for me.

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