“This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”
And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.””
https://www.bible.com/114/jhn.8.6-11.nkjv
“Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
https://www.bible.com/114/jas.5.19-20.nkjv
“And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”
https://www.bible.com/114/jud.1.22-23.nkjv
Working with the Disabled who have mental health issues, I had to learn how to change behavior. Frankly, what I have learned has mainly come from the Bible. This approach actually works in many situations when one wants someone to change for the better. This approach even works when you are having loving discussions with those lost from Christ or deceived away from Christ.
The three key concepts are:
1. Do not condemn and be generous with forgiveness:
We are all sinners. When Jesus was writing on the sand, He was actually writing each Sin down that the accusers committed (John 8: 6-8). His point was they are just as guilty of Sin as the one they are accusing. Jesus told the woman He does not condemn her either (so she is justified) but do not sin again (repent and sanctify).
2. Be humble and compassionate (All 3 verses) :
When approaching and talking with others, always separate the person from the behavior or destructive thoughts. We all make mistakes. Understand their rationale, mirror their thinking by rephrasing what they said, asking good questions and respond with a thought provoking answer. I find many times, I simply plant a seed of rationale and let God do the rest. When you turn a brother or sister, you are doing God’s work and saving a soul.
3. In extreme situations, take control (Jude 1 passage): When I have had a person raging out of control, I need to take the bull by the horns. I have been known to give firm, short, directive conversations on serious, life threatening behavior. However, I am quick to turn back to humility and compassion once the other person gains back their rationality. Think of how the police operate. When they are in the heat of the incident, they are very directive. However, once things cool down, they become more civil and respectful.
by Kent Brosh a Kawaiaha’o Blog Contributor
Alberta, Canada
