A Face with the Sin

[Ncdataman]

A Face with the Sin

Peter told them, "You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean."
— Acts 10:28



It is very easy to rail against someone who is caught up in a certain sin until you personally know them. It is easy to say that certain things are a sin until you know someone who is trapped by that sin. Maybe you have a close friend, even a family member, who is gay or who struggles with alcohol or drug abuse. Maybe you know someone with a child who has gone astray. Maybe your own child has gone astray. Suddenly when it is on your doorstep, it is not the same, because now there is a face with the sin.

Now I am not suggesting that sin is any less a sin. But I am saying that when it is someone you know, you see it a little bit differently all of the sudden. There is a little more compassion for that person. You want to help rather than simply condemn.

That is what happened with the apostle Peter, who was a Jew. Jews were taught from youth to have nothing to do with Gentiles. They were never to eat food prepared by Gentile hands. A strict Jew never would be a guest in a Gentile's home or invite a Gentile into his home. It was part of the Jewish culture, and Peter felt this way. He didn't want to leave his comfort zone and go to non-Jews with the message of the gospel. Yet God softened his heart, and Peter began to see things differently.

As believers, we too can write off large groups of people with whom we don't agree. Sometimes Christians will maintain a philosophy of "us four and no more." Some will divide over anything, and as a result, they are missing out on what God can do. They are missing out on opportunities


From Harvest

 

[Boanerges]

Now I am not suggesting that sin is any less a sin. But I am saying that when it is someone you know, you see it a little bit differently all of the sudden. There is a little more compassion for that person. You want to help rather than simply condemn.

Amen my friend. Perhaps as we get to know these people we begin to see them a little more through Jesus eyes. He loves them and above all wants to set them free.

 

[ruafreak4jesus]

We all fall short and have been guilty of sin! We are called to love and so we hate the sin, not the sinner. That is why as Christians, we need to love all of God's creation and WE certainly want to be loved despite OUR sin! We get caught up in "rating" sin! Often, we think that being gay or a murderer is certainly more of a sin then telling a lie! But God sees it at it is.....SIN! There is a difference in practicing sin also, but I do agree that sin can come as a surprise when someone you know and love springs a major secret sin on us! We do have more compassion for a close friend then when we watch the nightly news and learn that a drug bust on the other side of town resulted in people being murdered! When it is your best friend who is cheating on his wife, it takes on a different look and feel! But in God's eyes, sin is sin and souls have been lost as a direct result of our sinful nature. We need that compassion for not only those whom we know and love, but for the lost and suffering, just like Jesus did!

 

[stephen]

As believers, we too can write off large groups of people with whom we don't agree.

Today we are not to write off but to embrace. The days when Christendom wrote off are gone.

We are now open to all comer's........We are praying in our church that they will come.........after a week of prayer last week, we are ready to embrace....and love......all comers....Lord Jesus hear our prayers, that we may embrace and love....in your Name and in your Cause