Admonish

Too many times when we don't want to hear something uncomfortable we hide in our box and shut out what's being said. Christians and non Christians alike have all at one point or another used the "stop preaching until you can be less sinful yourself" and "remove the plank from your own eye before trying to remove the mote from mine" cards.

These are tactics used to shut someone up, but they shouldn't be used at all. There is a massive difference between judging someone and admonishing. And to admonish is very much sanctioned by God.

What is Admonish? The dictionary terms are:
To reprove gently but earnestly.
To counsel (another) against something to be avoided; caution.
To remind of something forgotten or disregarded, as an obligation or a responsibility.

A question you might get:

I've never seen it said anywhere that you should rebuke me for anything I've done, especially when you too are a sinner, so why are you trying?

Answer you may give:

If we had to wait until we were no longer sinners before opening up our mouths to "preach to another when they do something", then only Jesus would have been allowed to speak, and the word of God would not have been passed down because we wouldn't have the right to utter a single word.

The Scriptures that justify the use of Admonishing each other to help each other grow are:

Romans 15:14 "And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another."

Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

2 Thessalonians 3: 14-15 "And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother."

All of these show that God does want us to point out to each other when something is done wrong, not to judge, because if we don't correct an error, and if that person believes it is alright to keep erring, it may bring about something more dire. We are to keep each other encouraged in love and gentleness and take great joy when we are kindly rebuked, because it shows they care enough for us to let us know we do wrong, even if we don't want to hear it.