How to admonish a brother correctly

by Marcelo Brandão·September 19, 2019·3 min read

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In recent weeks we have been dealing with such things as God’s rational love, the impossibility of walking alone, and how to be a good friend. Along the same lines, we must also learn how to correctly admonish a brother. That we may all be aligned with the will of God.

Humility

The first thing needed to admonish someone.Or to bear fruit from an exhortation for a brother is humility.

In this is the recognition of our own mistakes and failures and the understanding that we have limited in wisdom. With this in mind, we learn to value other people’s wisdom. And we also begin to understand that it is more valid to admonish the brothers in those things we have already been purified. There is no use on me exhorting a sister about her gossip if I can’t control my tongue myself and I do the same thing.

Phil 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Biblical basis

Along with humility, there must be a correct biblical knowledge. We should admonish others around us based on God’s Word. Exhort means to teach or encourage. If teaching or encouragement is not based on biblical truths, the exhortation is worthless. This also helps you understand how to be admonished. If somebody tries to change your path to one that is not in line with the correct biblical standards, by studying the word one can ponder whether this is right or wrong.

2 Tim 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, (15) and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (16) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (17) so that the servant of God

Patience

Learn to instruct others patiently. With no fighting or divisions. It is impossible to teach and convince anyone of their mistake. Unless God’s rational love and perfection is the main reason for the exhortation. We must be careful not to instruct the brothers around us based on our ego. But always remembering to do this by loving and enduring each other with meekness.

Eph 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (3) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

It is also important to say that we should not force others. If a person is not interested in the truth and still insists on refuse biblical instructions, his freedom of choice must be respected.

Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. (10) Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. (11) You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Final considerations

Based on all this. We understand that a good friend also exhorts and helps to adjust Christ’s body so that all may perfect and align themselves with God’s will. But we also understand that it is impossible to do this without love, humility, peace, meekness, and biblical knowledge.

Pv 15:31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. (32) Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. (33) Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.

May the grace of Jesus, our Lord, be with you all and the Holy Spirit help you to have knowledge and authority for the perfecting of God’s church. Amen!