Jeremiah 35-36 / 1 Timothy 5 / Psalm 89:14-37 / Proverbs 25:25-27
All of us make mistakes and commit sin. And all of us do good deeds and make wise choices. I’ve noticed something lately and that is some people have gotten “soft” regarding what the Bible tells us is sin. That said, I also do not believe we should beat people over the head for their sins and mistakes; conviction is God’s job.
What is our role when we see a brother or sister overtaken by sin? Galatians 6:1 in the New Living Translation is helpful. It tells us this: “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godlyshould gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”
If we see someone we love heading down a path that will trap them by sin and consequences, we should speak up. But we must do so in humility realizing we could be the ones caught by deception and sin. After all, no one is immune to sin. If you see the sin and you’re angry or judgmental, it would be better to pray and ask God to give you a right heart before or if you address the situation.
Not every situation is ours to address either. I am personally more likely to speak to someone in my immediate family if I notice something harming them. If I see a friend who is harming herself, I will pray and ask God what my response needs to be. Then I must follow God’s leading on my action.
As for strangers, it’s not likely I would intervene unless I was a witness to immediate danger or harm of another. For example, I’ve often overheard strangers speaking with anger or contempt to their children and while that hurts my heart, I will not get involved. If I saw someone being physically harmed, I would have to do something. Probably make an emergency call to avoid physical danger for myself.
Then there is the matter of the world watching us as followers of Christ. If we are actively involved in sin, we are marring the beautiful name of Jesus. I realize we are not always aware that we’re sinning. But I also have on many occasions felt the sting of Holy Spirit conviction as I’ve headed in a direction in my thoughts or actions that would not honor the Lord.
Proverbs 25:26 struck me as I read it today because I’m aware that the world is especially watching those of us who claim to belong to Christ. This is what that verse states: “Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.”
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be seen or known as a “muddied spring” or a “polluted well’. That sounds dirty, nasty, and unfavorable at the least! Pondering this topic reminds me of what Proverbs 4:23 TPT tells us about our hearts. So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.
I much prefer a wellspring coming out of my heart to having a muddied spring coming out. How do I get that wellspring, which sounds like it must be clean, clear, and refreshing both to myself and others? I must guard my heart. From what must I guard myself? I must pay attention to the things that grab my love and affection.
If I’m concerned about what others think of me, I may find myself doing things I would otherwise not do. If I believe I am without the things I need, I might find myself stealing. If I feel trapped in a situation, I may begin to tell lies. There are many scenarios that could potentially trap us. I pray you have someone in your life who loves you enough to warn you when they see danger ahead.
And I pray you listen when that one who loves you comes with the warning. Even if they bungle the delivery, they are usually speaking up in fear and trembling and because they love you too much to watch you being robbed by the devil. The devil would love to see you continue in sin so he can rob you blind. May you be set free from all deception and sin today!
