+DEV+ Condemnation of Sin

Date: May 27, 2009 11:07 PM

Topic: +DEV+     Condemnation of Sin

Condemnation of Sin

Scripture Focus: Luke 11:37-54

“We exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men” (1 Thessalonians 5:14, KJV).

Sin erects barriers in relationships. It comes between people and God, person and person. Left uncorrected, it eats away at fellowship like a cancer and becomes contagious.

Jesus knew the power of sin, and was not afraid to condemn the religious leaders for their hypocrisy and other sins which hindered relationships with God and men. Though He condemned their actions and attitudes, He did not attack their personhood. He still loved them and died for them.

As believers in Christ, we have the responsibility to help one another grow. Sometimes that includes pointing out sin, but we must be sure we go to the individual with love and being sure there is not unconfessed sin in our own lives.

We need to realize that not everyone will respond well to that kind of conversation. Remember that the religious leaders were hostile toward Jesus. However, to avoid the confrontation to try keeping peace with someone will eventually erode the relationship anyway. 

Insight: (1) Deal with sin in your life first. (2) Be sure the other person’s problem is sin, not your opinion. (3) Go and speak the truth in love.