See, whenever we need to rebuke someone for their sin, or whenever someone needs to rebuke us for our sin, it happens with a major confrontation. If rebuke was a natural way of doing community life in the church, this would not be seen as negatively confrontational. With that, the defense mechanisms and the height of emotion may too leave the situation. I think this radical way of doing community would really perpetuate gospel living if we could do it. This will definitely feel very awkward at first, but I have a feeling we can get into the swing of it.
Another thing he said was that when you rebuke someone they should not leave that conversation feeling condemned. Boy was I struck like a ton of bricks. I'm certain I have let many walk away feeling condemned by the words I've said. [Oh Lord, hasten the day when sin will be no more.] Chester continued in that if people have left feeling that way, then we weren't doing gospel pastoring. Instead, we were creating moralistic legalists like ourselves. [whoa dang] Instead of saying "you shouldn't get drunk" or "you shouldn't be anxious," we should be saying "you need not get drunk" and "you need not get anxious." Why? Because God is all and is in all. Why? Because of the gospel. Why? Because it's good news! You don't have try to meet your deepest needs in sinful ways, Jesus is here! He's born the shame. He's taken the punishment. He's in control. He rose again. He's victorious. He cares.
Let's try it together. Instead of having conversations about legalism, point out the sin, then point to the cross. The Word is what has power, not my advice. The gospel through the Holy Spirit changes people, not my rubbish wisdom. There is no victory in try harder. There is victory in the full grace and acceptance of Jesus as you are.
