Without the scriptures to keep us in check, Our "Faith without deeds is useless" (James 2:20)...
That is why we don't counsel someone without scripture reference ""in our heart and ready on our lips"", to keep us (our own desire) in check (James 1:14)...
And that is why Christ Himself made sure we always went back to the scriptures (John 8:7) so we honor God alone...
Again, noted point! When our lives are kept in submission (in check) "to His Word" (Philippians 2:12), we are equipped to humbly minister!
(Does anyone see a reason to cast the first stone now???)
What is the point???
The point to ministering to our brother here is for him to have all the tools to stay faithful... Putting the known scriptures to work in our lives, as shown in our words and heart (for God) combined, gives us a chance to address people where they are at, and point them to where they should be...
How will someone new know who my Lord is? “When they see the Godly point between the lines!”
Just because the scriptures are so clear to us, they can be lost in translation to inherited blindness that the Light has not yet shined into...
When common language given is first believed (by the new brother in need), then and only than can the scriptures be seen as something to be learned more from (blindness removed by our common walk and common reach outwardly "For His Glory")
For anyone who doubts that this is how the blind world will begin to see better, and needs God's conformation on this, Matthew 7:16...
"We can all agree that words matter" and intent shows where we are pointed...
I see everyone's intent and just Hope that we can help our brother here..
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Sparky256, did Matthew 5:28 cover this question for you?
God's words warns us, "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." **(Inversely, wouldn't this seem to apply?)**
Please let us know how we can help you Brother...