How should we respond to those caught in sin? 2 Corinthians 5:16-20 gives us a detailed response.
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Let’s look at several critical issues from this passage. First, anyone caught in sin is a new creation in Christ, a child of God. They need to know the truth and choose for themselves “to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (See Rom. 6:11). Most defeated Christians do not know their identity and position in Christ. I have encountered people who view themselves as “no good” or “I’m worthless.” These people have been victimized by the accuser of the brethren and probably by significant others in their lives.
Second, we need to understand our ministry. Our ministry is one of reconciliation and 
not acting self-righteous and going after brother and sisters in Christ. Why should we join with the enemy when Romans 8:1 says, “Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ?” Why do we want to expose the sin of others when the Scripture says, “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions” (Prov. 10:12)?
We must embrace Gal 5:26-6:1 that says, “…you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness…” The ministry of a spiritual Christian is reconciliation and restoration. If that is not your motive in confronting another person in regard to sin, then it is best that you do nothing at all.
Third, we are ambassadors for Christ. We do not speak or minister to others on our own behalf; we do so as representatives of Christ, “as though God were making an appeal through us” (2 Cor. 5:20)
As you read through the Gospels you will see that sinners loved to be around Jesus, and He waged war against the hypocrites. Many churches today are accused of being full of hypocrites, and sinners stay away. I hope personally you represent Jesus Christ, full of compassion and mercy, which will draw people to your life and to Christ. That takes work and maturity on our part.
To learn more, read “The Bondage Breaker” by Dr. Neil Anderson or call our ministry. Our passion is to help you minister to others with love and mercy. Please visit our web site at www.infusionnow.org
Mark Keyes
Vice President of Infusion Ministries
Mark Keyes
