Nicholas Holderman/The Falcon

We have all made mistakes. We have all sinned. We have all gone astray. We have even seen some of our dear loved ones act in such ways that could lead them down a depraved path.

Just like the people in the anti-drug commercials, we are faced with a terrible decision. Do we watch in silence or do we stand up and speak to those who have gone astray?

Life presents many opportunities for friendships to grow, flourish and be maintained. It also presents many opportunities for us and our friends to act in ways that do not exactly coincide with the Christian lifestyle.

But at what point should followers of Christ rebuke others for going astray? Is it okay to step in and say something?

Growing up, I treated my younger brother with little regard. I would pick on him excessively and was not the role-model brother I should have been. My heart was not in the right place and my intentions were lacking. I had parents, however, who pointed out the lack of considerate and caring behaviors that I displayed towards my brother.

Because of this, I have come to realize that, at times, I was a complete jerk and was not in anyway acting as a Christian is called to do. Without rebuke, I would not have been able to value and appreciate the brotherhood that he and I now have. Only when we are rebuked can we grow as individuals and in our relationship with Christ.

Alex Kato, a freshman, said that "the point of rebuke is not to make our brothers and sisters live a more moral life. The point is to help the body respond to Jesus Christ."

Sean Lomas is a sophomore majoring in the journalism track of communications

It is in the best interest of the body of Christ to make sure that both the arms and legs are healthy and working together. The body of Christ cannot work together for God's glory if it is constantly being led astray; thus, rebuke is very important.

At SPU, we strive to abide by Lifestyle Expectations but we have all either neglected the rules ourselves or know somebody who has. Is it our place to come before our PA or other authoritative figures and become the floor snitch?

"The point in rebuke is this: knowing God leads to morality. Morality does not lead to knowing God. Our rebuke, then, should not be one focused on actions but one focused on the heart," Kato said.

It is very easy to become so overwhelmed with the legalities of rights and wrongs that the focus of our lives tends to be spent ensuring that rules are never broken. The Christian lifestyle, however, is more than just obeying rules--it's about having a heart for God. Following rules will not bring us closer to God, but, rather, growing closer to God will give us the desire to follow rules.

It is easy to point out the faults in others. But consider this: Christians should not be tattle-tales, but rather encouragers. Perpetual snitching should not be an option. Titus 3:11 tells us to "encourage and rebuke with all authority."

Both the words "encourage" and "rebuke" are used simultaneously, pointing out that they must accompany each other in our actions. When a brother or sister in Christ reaches the point at which faith is diminishing, we must rebuke while encouraging him or her along the narrow path.

For those of us who hate being told what to do, we should look at it with a new perspective: you finally finish the essay you have been stressing over for days, and you could never be more proud. The instructor hands you back the paper, and it is covered in constructive criticism--red ink style. Being told what you have done wrong may sting at first, but it only improves your ability to write better.

In that same way, we should be open to hearing the humble rebukes that our fellow believers present, because they give us a chance to heal our wounds and come back to a place where God desires us to be.