Although many in our culture deny any responsibility for the wrong they do, God does not see it that way. We may claim social ills or ignorance caused us to do evil, but the Lord declares, “The wicked shall die for his guilt.” Our words and deeds have consequences, and there are choices we can make that God sees as sinful.
But God does not want us to choose sin, and so we have the responsibility of warning the sinner, firmly but gently, of the results of his actions. If we’re the one who has been hurt, Jesus tells us to seek reconciliation privately first of all, but if that does not work, then bring in others. But ignoring sin is not an option, for then it grows and festers.
The steward is accountable to God for his use of the time, talent, and treasure entrusted to him. One aspect of being accountable is responsibility for fellow members of the Body of Christ. Offering correction, in a way that can be understood and accepted, comes with the territory. Otherwise, as the Lord announced through Ezekiel, “The wicked shall die for his guilt, but I will hold you responsible for his death.”
