Sin is a topic that makes many people uncomfortable.
No one likes to be told they are doing something wrong, and calling out sin can feel awkward, confrontational, or even judgmental.
But the Bible is clear—sin separates us from God, and as believers, we are called to stand for truth.
So, what does the Bible really say about confronting sin?
Should we speak out boldly against sin, or should we focus on showing love and grace?
How can we call out sin in a way that honors God and helps others?
Let’s explore what Scripture teaches about calling out sin and how we can approach this responsibility with wisdom and humility.
God Calls Us to Stand for Truth
The Bible makes it clear that truth is important to God.
He does not want His people to ignore sin or pretend it doesn’t exist.
Proverbs 31:8-9 says:
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
This verse teaches that speaking up is not just an option—it is a duty.
When sin leads to harm, injustice, or suffering, God expects His people to take a stand.
Ephesians 5:11 also gives a strong command:
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
Ignoring sin does not make it go away.
As Christians, we are called to shine a light in the darkness, helping others see the truth and turn back to God.
Jesus Called Out Sin with Truth and Love
Jesus was not afraid to confront sin.
Throughout His ministry, He spoke boldly about sin, hypocrisy, and the need for repentance.
In Matthew 23, Jesus called out the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, saying in verse 27:
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!
You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.
Jesus did not ignore sin, especially when it came from religious leaders who were leading others astray.
However, He also called out sin with love and the goal of restoring people.
In John 8, a woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus.
Instead of condemning her, He forgave her but also told her in verse 11:
Go now and leave your life of sin.
Jesus showed grace, but He did not excuse sin.
His approach teaches us that calling out sin should always be done with both truth and love.
Calling Out Sin Should Come from a Place of Humility
One of the biggest dangers in calling out sin is self-righteousness.
It is easy to point out someone else’s sins while ignoring our own.
That’s why Jesus warned in Matthew 7:3-5:
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
This does not mean we should never call out sin, but it does mean we must examine our own hearts first.
If we approach someone with arrogance or condemnation, we are not reflecting the love of Christ.
But if we come with humility, recognizing that we too are sinners in need of grace, we can call out sin in a way that encourages rather than shames.
Confronting Sin in Fellow Believers
When it comes to other Christians, the Bible gives specific instructions on how to address sin.
Galatians 6:1 says:
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.
But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
The goal of confronting sin is not to tear someone down but to restore them.
We should never call out sin just to prove a point or make ourselves look better.
Instead, we should do so with a spirit of gentleness, knowing that we too could fall into sin.
Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process for addressing sin among believers:
If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.
If they listen to you, you have won them over.
But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church.
And if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
This passage teaches that confronting sin should first be done privately.
If the person refuses to repent, then additional steps should be taken.
The goal is always to bring them back to a right relationship with God, not to publicly shame them.
How to Call Out Sin in a Godly Way
Calling out sin is not about winning arguments or making someone feel bad.
It is about leading others closer to God.
Here are some biblical principles to keep in mind when confronting sin:
Pray first.
Ask God for wisdom and guidance before addressing someone’s sin.
Examine your own heart.
Make sure you are not guilty of the same sin or approaching the situation with pride.
Speak with love.
Ephesians 4:15 says we should speak the truth in love, not with harshness or judgment.
Be patient.
Some people will not change immediately.
Trust God to work in their hearts over time.
Forgive freely.
If someone repents, do not hold their past sin against them.
Just as God forgives us, we should forgive others.
Calling Out Sin in the World
What about sin outside the church?
Should Christians call out sin in society?
The Bible teaches that we should stand for righteousness, but we must also remember that non-believers do not live by God’s standards.
1 Corinthians 5:12-13 says:
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?
Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside.
Expel the wicked person from among you.
This verse shows that while we should address sin within the church, it is ultimately God’s job to judge the world.
That doesn’t mean we should stay silent about moral issues.
But it does mean we should focus on sharing the gospel rather than simply condemning non-believers for their sin.
Only God can change a person’s heart.
The Balance Between Truth and Grace
Some people focus so much on calling out sin that they forget to show grace.
Others focus so much on grace that they avoid talking about sin altogether.
But Jesus showed us how to balance both.
John 1:14 describes Jesus as being full of grace and truth.
He did not compromise on sin, but He also showed deep compassion.
As Christians, we should follow His example.
We should stand for truth, but we should also be known for our love and kindness.
Final Thoughts
Calling out sin is not about judging others—it is about helping people turn back to God.
The Bible teaches that confronting sin should be done with love, humility, and a desire for restoration.
Jesus was bold in addressing sin, but He also showed incredible grace.
As His followers, we should do the same.
If we call out sin, let it be out of love.
Let it be with wisdom and humility.
And let it always point people back to the hope and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.