Love Your Neighbour as Yourself and Do Not Compromise on Sin

     There were two physicians in a town. The first doctor would accurately diagnose his patient’s problems, then inform his patients about the diagnosis and the fix. If surgery was the solution, he would ask them if they wanted the surgery. The second doctor would tell his patients that they do not have any underlying issues, but prescribe pain killers for them anyway. Which doctor would you rather book an appointment with?

     The Holy Bible clearly defines sin. The definition of the ancient Koine Greek word for sin is missing the mark (verb), an ethical failure (noun). God unequivocally does not want humans to sin. God gave us laws so that we know what God wants us to do and what He wants us to avoid. We cannot change the definition of sin, nor can we change what is sin and what is not. Whether humans commit a sin or not, the definition of sin does not change.

     The written word of God tells us that God loves all humans and wants them all to come to His saving grace. All humans sin. Hence God has provided a way (our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ). This way is available to all who repent of their sins and come to Christ. Of course no amount of good works or community service can wash away sins.

     As believers, we should love as Jesus did. If we truly love others, we should be willing to take the risk of clearly pointing out sin as sin, even if it is in ourselves. We should want people to realize what they are doing wrong and repent, not as judgement or condemnation, but out of love. It may be easier and socially acceptable to ignore sin, but that is not true love, it is rather a practise of convenience.

Sin will only hurt the sinner and if the sinner does not repent and turn to Christ, he or she will suffer. In the Holy Bible, God has made it clear that we must alert people. It is our duty, at least in our circle of influence,  to encourage adherence to God’s commands. See Ezekiel 3:18.

     Don’t forget: God will discipline His children because He loves us. We need to tell people that we are all sinners by nature and not ‘good’ people by nature. And of course we need to tell them about God’s love for them, and about the only way to be saved from sin and become the children of God. If we don’t, we are not preaching the Gospel.

      If you think God is using His word through a person to point out your sin, don’t excuse your sin because that person also sins, acknowledge your sin in your heart and ask God for help.

Imagine this: a doctor tells his patient that he has cancer. The patient replies “who are you to tell me that I have cancer when you have diabetes?” and then walks out of the room.