Telling It Like It Is
There is a
very fine line between standing up for God and insulting and condemning others. It is a line that I must be very careful to
never cross.
As a
Christian I have the responsibility to live my life according to God’s will and
to share my faith whenever the opportunity presents itself. I must be willing to stand against sin and
immorality. If I do less I am not following
my Lord.
However, I must
also have love in my heart for the sinner, keeping in mind that it is their immortal
soul that is at risk. If I can light
just the smallest spark in their hearts, perhaps God can bring those sparks to
flame. But if I offend them by
condemning them I may extinguish any small flame that may already be there rather
than making it stronger.
Jesus never backed down from the condemnation sin but he had great love and
forgiveness for the sinner. He
did not condemn the adulterous woman brought to Him, but instead, told her, “Neither
do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more.”
(John 8: 11). His mission was one of
repentance and forgiveness, not condemnation.
In Matthew, chapter 23 Jesus took the religious leaders of Israel to task,
calling them out for their hypocrisy and bad teachings. He spared no condemnation of their actions and sinfulness. But still, He did not condemn them to hell. All pastors, priests, and ministers would do well to reread these verses at least once a month.
Yes, I must stand against sin; but I must do so with love, not condemning the sinner but seeking to bring them home.
Through the love of God we are saved.
Through the love of God may we help save
others.
Give me the courage to rebuke sin.
Give me love for the sinner.
Amen
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