Should Christians "Attack" Other Christians?

Should Christians "attack" other Christians, especially ministries or groups or denominations, by pointing out error and unfaithfulness?  You may hear statements all the time that they shouldn't.  But is this idea biblical?

First of all, let's refuse to play the world's word-twisting games

Pointing out error is not an "attack" or "hatred."  Calling it that is the game the world plays to try to publicly discredit Christians who take a faithful stand.  Whether it is those from the homosexual agenda pointing out "hate" in Christians who speak against sin, or whoever it is, this is deception from the devil.  God's people should have no part in furthering the lie that truth cannot be proclaimed publicly because some may be offended.  The truth always offends those who are not lovers of truth.  A Christian proclaiming truth should expect to be shouted down by the devil's crowd, but it is a sad day when other believers don't want to stomach it either.  Let's not join the world and do the devil's work alongside his crowd.

Instead, A Christian who is in error but has the attitude of the psalmist in Psalm 119:128 will never bristle at the truth or think it is an attack; they will realize what is in error and try to correct it: "Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way."  Notice also this biblical hatred is toward the false way, not toward a person.  And it is based not on personal opinion but the attitude that whatever God says is absolutely correct, period.

Proclaiming truth and contrasting it with error is not an attack.  But what is it?

Secondly, let's understand the reason for proclaiming truth

The point of proclaiming truth and contrasting it with error is to (a) encourage the faithful to stay faithful and (b) encourage the unfaithful to get faithful.  It is not about attacks or trying to hurt anyone. It is a part our biblical duty to one another to keep each other in line.

Considering the fact that who a person spends time with affects who they are becoming (I Corinthians 15:33, etc), it is extremely important for Christians to choose wisely whom to be with.  This includes probably most importantly which church they join or attend (and its denomination as a whole), since this is where they are receiving their discipleship and Christian training.  For that reason, proclaimers of truth have to necessarily, at times, contrast truth with the errors (either bad doctrines or bad practices) of certain churches.  It is not about denominational wars.  It is about loving the truth and loving God's people enough to give them the truth.

It even becomes necessary at times to point out errors within one's own fellowship.  A faithful proclaimer of truth will not shy away from speaking the truth regarding issues affecting his own denomination, church, association or circle of fellowship.

Again, this is not an attack but an exhortation for God's people to be on their guard against error.  In Galatians 2:11 and following, Paul says he had to rebuke Peter publicly for Peter's error.  He did not attack Peter.  He helped Peter see the error.  But the concern was not only for Peter, but also for those influenced by Peter.  So the point is not just the erring brother, but those who can be dragged into error likewise.

If a lover of truth points out, "that group of churches produces believers with a certain kind of character flaw," it is not an attack against that group of churches.  It is a warning to others that maybe that group of churches is not the ideal place to raise their families, get their discipleship, mold their own Christian character, etc.  This is "speaking the truth in love" out of love and concern for others.

Finally, let's not play the "holier-than-thou" trump card

To stand and loudly proclaim truth and contrast it with error is not to stand and say "I am perfect."  If a person has to be perfect in order to speak the word of God, then we wouldn't have the Bible, or any churches or pulpits, or any Christian literature.

Proclaimers of truth know their own weaknesses and they battle sin every day.  Lovers of truth know they must follow Galatians 6:1 - "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."

Notice who is to to help restore the brother in error: "ye which are spiritual."  Having just explained the fruit of the Spirit in chapter five, it becomes clear that somone helping the brother in error is supposed to do so while walking in the Spirit and having the fruit of the Spirit on display while the truth is given out.  Such a brother is aware that he has nothing good in himself or in his own sinful flesh.  He has nothing to offer the erring brother except God's truth.  He is not pointing at himself and saying, "Look at me, I am so great."  He is humbly pointing at God's word and saying, "Won't you join me in trying to uphold this together?"

Holier-than-thou?  Not the lover of truth.  But the lover of truth knows God is holy, holier than ALL.  This God has told His people to be holy as well.  To do that, they need to know the truth and they need to beware of error.  How can they keep from falling into error if there are not faithful watchmen willing to help?

Pointing out error should not be the thrust of anyone's ministry.  But proclaiming truth HAS to be the focus, and whenever and wherever truth meets error, these lines should be clearly and unmistakably drawn.  It is not an attack or a holier-than-thou diatribe.  It is the truth.  Lovers of truth have no issue with that.

VM
07-08-2014