Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.At first blush, this verse bothers me. Christianity has spent far too much of its history leading by fear and shame. It still infects many parts of the faith, and many people.
However, there comes a time when faith and understanding Christ's love haven't been effective, and all that leaves is fear and shame. Also, I have to remember that it's not directed at the one who sins; he's already in trouble. The target of the fear is those who have not yet done so, that they may be steered to the correct path before they significantly stray. Even so, it leaves me uneasy.
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