“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” – Matthew 18:15
Bible Verses About Confronting Others
Matthew 18:15 – Jesus encourages a private approach to confronting someone about their mistakes.
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” – Matthew 18:15
Galatians 6:1 – This verse reminds us to restore someone gently when we confront them.
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
Proverbs 27:5 – Open rebuke is deemed better than hidden love.
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” – Proverbs 27:5
Ephesians 4:15 – Speak the truth in love for healthy communication.
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15
Proverbs 28:23 – Honesty is valued in correcting others.
“Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.” – Proverbs 28:23
Colossians 3:16 – Teaching and admonishing others is part of our duty as Christians.
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.” – Colossians 3:16
James 5:19-20 – Restoring someone who has wandered is emphasized here.
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” – James 5:19-20
Matthew 7:5 – Take care of your own faults before correcting others.
“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.” – Matthew 7:5
Proverbs 15:31 – Listening to constructive criticism leads to growth.
“The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.” – Proverbs 15:31
Romans 15:14 – We are encouraged to instruct one another.
“I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” – Romans 15:14
1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Be patient and encourage the weak.
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Matthew 18:16 – If they won’t listen, bring another person along.
“But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'” – Matthew 18:16
Proverbs 9:8 – Wise correction is better received than criticism.
“Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.” – Proverbs 9:8
Titus 1:13 – Sometimes rebuke is necessary for correction.
“This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith.” – Titus 1:13
Psalm 141:5 – Welcoming correction shows humility.
“Let a righteous man strike me; it is a kindness; let him rebuke me; it is oil for my head.” – Psalm 141:5
James 1:19 – Encourages quick listening and slow speaking.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the Word and correct with great patience.
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” – 2 Timothy 4:2
Proverbs 24:26 – A sincere response is valued.
“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.” – Proverbs 24:26
2 Corinthians 13:10 – Paul reminds us he would address issues when he visits.
“This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.” – 2 Corinthians 13:10
1 Peter 3:15 – Always be ready to give an answer gently.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” – 1 Peter 3:15
Luke 17:3 – A call to watch ourselves while confronting others.
“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.” – Luke 17:3
Hebrews 10:24-25 – Encouraging one another to love and good deeds.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Philippians 4:2 – Encouraging unity among believers.
“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.” – Philippians 4:2
Proverbs 12:1 – A wise person accepts criticism.
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” – Proverbs 12:1
Proverbs 15:5 – Rejecting discipline shows foolishness.
“The fool spurns their father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.” – Proverbs 15:5
Final Thoughts
Confrontation can be tough, but it’s important in maintaining healthy relationships. Often, the Bible encourages us to approach these situations with love and gentleness. Whether we are correcting a friend or seeking advice ourselves, honest communication builds stronger bonds. We need to embrace the moments where confrontation is necessary while also being humble in our approach. We are called to support and uplift one another through our words and actions, as highlighted in many of these verses.
It’s a journey we all share, navigating relationships that include growth and guidance. Let’s lean on scripture to help us find the right words and attitudes when the time comes to confront others. If you’re curious about how to strengthen your communication with friends and family, you might find this resource on communication helpful.
Explore more Bible verses to deepen your understanding of how to love and support those around you, such as showing love through actions or leading others to Christ.