Why are we, the Christian community, so eager to point out people’s sins? Why are we so willing to call sin “sin” when it comes to adultery, addiction, pornography, abortion, theft, {throw in your pet “big” sin here}; yet, we act as though our gossip, pride, prejudice and arrogance are completely acceptable?
Tears stream down my face even as I write this post. My heart breaks, perhaps because I’ve committed a “big” sin. I know the heartache I caused. And I’ve talked with enough people in similar circumstances to know that we all privately carry around our own scarlet letters.
Allow me to be very clear, my beloved Christian community: we do not need your judgment. We do not need you to define our behaviors as sins. We are very, very well aware of our sins. We are very well aware of the heartache we cause ourselves and others.
I beg you to slide off your high horses and step down from your soapboxes long enough to realize that Jesus took every sin upon Himself while on the cross, and with His resurrection, defeated every one. Our job is to love like Jesus. When the adulteress woman was cast down at His feet, He didn’t say, You adulterer! You have sinned. You should be ashamed! No, he came to her defense, didn’t condemn her, and simply said, Go and sin no more.
Why are we so quick to condemn? Why aren’t we coming to people’s defense?
I plead with you to remember that loving people in sin doesn’t equal condoning sin. Those of us who have committed the “big” ones are well aware that you don’t condone our sins. Guess what? We don’t condone them either.
The best thing you can do, dear Christian community, is to offer grace…for it’s grace that soften hearts. It is the kindness of God that leads to repentance (Rom. 2:4), not your condemnation.
I agree, wholeheartedly. We are far too quick to part the part of Peter, and treat everyone like Ananias. We forget our God is a kind, gentle, and loving God. And yet, I know I am guilty of the same thing at times too. Thank you so much for the reminder to be kind above all else.
Thanks, Chris. I try to remember (and often fail) that kindness and grace is what made the difference in my own life.
It’s easier to judge others than to judge ourselves. In our minds, there is a “hierarchy of sin”. Gluttony or gossip is just frowned upon lightly, while other sins are all deemed worse. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Rebekah!
“Hierarchy of sin”…so true, JIm. I’m glad God doesn’t judge us that way. I think I find it easier to offer grace to others than to myself. I constantly have to remind myself that grace includes me.