In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth – 2 Timothy 2:25
There is something here to be learned for those who might admonish others, for those who are admonished, and an objective and God-glorifying truth.
It is not accidental or incidental that Paul begins with an exhortation to meekness. If we dare confront a person about a supposed sin, we must be careful, first of all, that it really is sin.
Meekness is a sensitive, humble submission to God. Meekness will not assume that personal preference or legalism is the same as God’s explicit commands. Meekness will not overlook a beam in one’s own eye while searching for a speck in another’s.
However, if there is real sin in someone’s life, then it is important to realize that transgressing God’s law is ultimately opposing oneself. There is no way to sin against God and not harm yourself. You may think your course of action justifiable or pleasurable, but sinning against God is always damaging to your soul.
What is the solution? True repentance only comes from God. And so both the one hoping to win a person from sin, and a person sunk deep in sin, must go to God for help. Pray to him, trusting that he may give repentance and open eyes to the truth.
The saints in the book of Acts were thrilled when they saw that God had “granted repentance unto life” (11:18). We, also, ought to pray, and minister, toward that goal.