How to View and Approach Sin in the Lives of Others
Often times we hear Christians being referred to as “judgmental”, but why is that the case? Many Christians can fall into a trap known as being legalistic. This is when all someone cares about is the rules. If they break the rules they may be frustrated, but the big issue here is that when others break the rules (aka sin), they are labeled as bad, sinful, careless, reckless, etc. When in reality other people are just like you and me. So, how do we view sin and approach it in a way that is beneficial, loving, and Christlike?
First, there are a few things we need to understand. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This verse is very important because it reminds us that we are all in need of a Savior. Yes, you may be further along in your walk with Christ than someone else, but at one point you were where they are, just maybe in a different way. It’s a common trap to forget your past sins and begin to judge others for doing the same things that you once did. Remembering where we came from allows us to stay humble and show others grace.
Jesus addresses judging others in The Sermon on the Mount when he says, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” - Matthew 7:3-5 In this message Jesus is warning us about being hypocritical when it comes to calling out sin in others’ lives. For example, someone may point out the sin of homosexual acts in someones life, but meanwhile they are having premarital sex. Both are sexually immoral, both are sinful, but the one person falls into the trap of judging others’ sins while they don’t hold themselves accountable. Or maybe “so n so” lied about “such and such” but the person judging the sin of lying goes off and gossips about that person. Both are not good, both are sinful.
Ok, so we know that we are all sinners in desperate need of Jesus, and we should analyze ourselves closely before we bring up the sinful behaviors of others. Now, how should we view sin?
Well, the world views sin as rules that if broken make God upset. But God isn’t this ruler or king in the sky that wants to control you or keep you from having fun. He wants the VERY BEST for you! With that being said, sin harms us. It could be physical harm, such as gluttony that can lead to health issues, or sexual immorality that can lead to STDs. It could cause mental harm, such as abusing substances and causing anxiety and depression. Or it could be spiritual harm, such as lying, stealing, watching porn, etc. all which will hurt you in a deep spiritual way. With this being said, sin is simply not good for us and God knows this. He created us and he knows what is best for us. So, God isn’t telling you to avoid sin because he has these rules and is controlling, rather it’s because he wants the very best for you. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23 What God commands of us leads to true life and freedom, meanwhile sin leads to death.
So instead of judging others, love them like Christ loves you. Let your heart break for them when they choose sin over righteousness, and pray for them. See, when Jesus was crucified, he didn’t judge the soldiers for crucifying the Son of God, he said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” - Luke 23:34 As followers of Christ, this is the approach we should have to others’ sin. If we discuss it, it should be explained as “God wants the very best for you, and these sinful choices will not bring forth the best for your life. They produce bad fruit.” VS being judgmental and trying to tell someone what they are doing is wrong and they are a bad person because of it.
Psychologically, this will communicate the message of God’s grace in a more powerful, applicable, and loving way.
Stay blessed.
