The Red Flags series comes at a crucial time in our journey as a church. God is exposing unhealthy patterns, stirring discomfort, and leading us through moments of spiritual confrontation. This process can be painful, but it is purposeful. Rising into all God has for us means shaking off old habits, behaviors, and past offenses.

If You See Something, Say Something

In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security’s “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign encourages citizens to report potential threats. Born out of the tragedy of September 11, 2001, it is built on two key principles: recognition and response. Recognizing danger without acting is useless; acting without accurate recognition can create chaos.

God calls His people to a similar approach in the spiritual realm—speaking the truth in love and confronting sin or conflict before it escalates into disaster.

1. Our Fear of Confrontation

Why do so many avoid confrontation? Common reasons include:

• Fear of rejection or damaged relationships.
• Fear of being wrong.
• Fear of the messiness that comes with conflict.
• Believing the cultural lie that confrontation is unloving.

Scripture paints a different picture. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God gives us a spirit of power (courage to do what’s right), love (acting for someone’s highest good), and a sound mind (self-control and wisdom).

Proverbs 27:5-6 says: “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”

In the Hebrew, “open” means to uncover or reveal, and “wounds” refers to intentional incisions that ultimately heal. True love sometimes requires short-term pain to prevent long-term destruction.

2. The Tragedy of Silent Love

The story of Eli and his sons in 1 Samuel shows the high cost of failing to confront sin. Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were corrupt priests—stealing offerings, intimidating worshippers, committing immorality, and showing contempt for God’s sacrifices.

Though Eli confronted them eventually, his response was:

• Too little – mild rebuke instead of decisive correction.
• Too late – after their reputation was destroyed.
• Too weak – vague questioning instead of clear commands.
• Without consequence – no discipline followed.

God’s judgment fell: both sons died in battle the same day, the Ark of the Covenant was captured, Eli died upon hearing the news, and Israel suffered defeat. The danger signs had been there all along, but Eli’s silence let them grow into catastrophe.

3. The Hero Hidden in Plain Sight

1 Samuel 25 tells the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail. When Nabal insulted David and refused him provisions, David prepared to slaughter every male in Nabal’s household.

One unnamed servant saw the danger. He:

1. Understood David’s reputation and the reality of the situation.
2. Recognized the urgent threat.
3. Went to Abigail—the right person with the ability to act.
4. Reported the facts objectively.
5. Took personal risk in speaking up.

Because he acted:

• Abigail intercepted David with provisions.
• David was spared from committing bloodshed.
• Nabal’s household was saved.
• God ultimately brought justice to Nabal.

This servant’s courage in speaking up saved lives and changed the outcome.

4. Biblical Confrontation: The Divine Protocol

Jesus outlines the steps for healthy confrontation in Matthew 18:15-17:

1. Private Confrontation – Address the issue one-on-one with restoration as the goal.
2. Witnessed Confrontation – If unresolved, involve one or two others for wisdom and accountability.
3. Church Involvement – Bring the matter before the church if private steps fail.
4. Exclusion for Restoration – Treat the person as an outsider, not in revenge, but to help them grasp the seriousness of the situation.

Galatians 6:1 adds that restoration must be done gently, with the aim of mending and healing.

5. Practical Areas to Apply “See Something, Say Something”

• Family: Address destructive choices, strained relationships, or damaging patterns before they cause long-term harm.
• Church: Confront unhealthy leadership patterns, drifting theology, or unresolved conflict.
• Workplace: Speak up against dishonesty, harmful decisions, or toxic environments.

Steps for Loving Confrontation

1. Examine your heart and motives.
2. Pray for wisdom, courage, and the right timing.
3. Choose a private and comfortable setting.
4. Use specific examples—focus on behavior, not personal attacks.
5. Listen well and allow response.
6. Offer support and be part of restoration.
7. Follow up with love and continued care.

Be the Unnamed Hero

Like Abigail’s servant, you may not set out to be a hero, but God can use your willingness to act. Recognizing danger and speaking up may prevent disaster, restore relationships, and protect God’s people.

The most loving thing is often the hardest thing—speaking truth in love, confronting with gentleness, and trusting God with the outcome.

This Week’s Challenge

• Ask God for discernment about situations you need to address.
• Examine your motives to ensure they are rooted in love.
• Identify one conversation you have been avoiding and prepare to approach it prayerfully.
• Take action with courage and trust God to honor your obedience.

The time for silent love has passed. The time for open, loving confrontation has come.

If you see something, say something. You might be the unnamed hero in someone’s story.