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Ask Pastor Mike Live

Focal Point Ministries

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Tough Love or Acceptance? How to Treat a Sinning Believer

March 31, 2026
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In this episode, Pastor Mike answers a challenging and emotional question: how should you respond to a sibling who claims to be a Christian but continues living in sin?

He explains the balance between truth and relationship—drawing from 1 Corinthians 5–6 and the book of 1 John. While we are called to love others, we are not called to ignore sin, especially when someone professes faith in Christ. Instead, believers are called to lovingly confront, take sin seriously, and encourage repentance.

At the same time, family relationships add complexity. This teaching helps you navigate that tension with wisdom—holding onto truth without abandoning love, and recognizing the seriousness of spiritual danger while still pointing your loved one back to Christ.

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About Ask Pastor Mike Live

Join us each Friday as Pastor Mike tackles hard-hitting questions Christians face in the modern world. Arm yourself for your next challenging conversation by getting relevant, biblical answers on hot topics of the day.

About Focal Point Ministries

Dr. Mike Fabarez is the founding pastor of Compass Bible Church and the president of Compass Bible Institute, both located in Aliso Viejo, California. Pastor Mike is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Talbot School of Theology and Westminster Theological Seminary in California. Mike is heard on hundreds of stations on the Focal Point radio program and is committed to clearly communicating God’s word verse-by-verse, encouraging his listeners to apply what they have learned to their daily lives. He has authored several books, including 10 Mistakes People Make About Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife, Raising Men Not Boys, Lifelines for Tough Times, and Preaching that Changes Lives. Mike and his wife Carlynn are parents of three grown children, two sons and one daughter, and have four young grandchildren.

Contact Ask Pastor Mike Live with Focal Point Ministries

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Mailing Address:

Focal Point

P.O. Box 2850

Laguna Hills, CA 92654