We need to be bold and clear, as we call people to turn from sin. Indeed, we can often be more confrontational in working-class and deprived areas, where middle-class norms of polite circumlocution do not apply. People expect you to say what you mean and mean what you say.

But our calls for behaviour change must flow from heart change. Behaviour change on its own is merely legalism. We cannot chivvy people into holiness. We need to apply the gospel to their hearts. Our goal is a love for God and his people, an assurance of God’s fatherly love, a joy in Christ, an attitude of continual repentance, and restored relationships. Only this kind of heart change will produce real and lasting behavioural change.