Far too often we see Christians take it upon themselves to point out all the moral issues in the lives of others. Many seem to believe they are called to enforce the morals of the Bible on everyone but is that really how the Bible instructs us to live?
In reality, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone. Not to try and convince others that their lifestyle is immoral. Which will never work anyway. Because if they don’t believe in God, then they don’t share our moral belief anyway and they really would have no reason to. When we share the Gospel with others we are supposed to do it in a loving humble manner. Which the Bible makes clear time and time again.
2 Timothy 2:24-25 (ESV)
24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Colossians 4:6 (ESV)
6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
If we look to our greatest example of a righteous life, Jesus. We see that He never pointed out the sins of nonbelievers. Instead, He felt compassion for them and revealed Himself to them. And it was those who claimed to be righteous that He took issue with.
For instance, when the woman caught in adultery was brought to Jesus, He did not condemn her. Instead, He turned the tables on the self-righteous and then forgave the woman of her sins.
John 8:3-5 (ESV)
3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?”
John 8:7-11 (ESV)
7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
Now we are told that at times we may need to address sin in the lives of other Christians, but again we are told to do this in a humble way. Not by anger, harsh words, or condemnation.
Galatians 6:1 (ESV)
1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
So the next time you find yourself ready to flip on the siren and grab your ticket book. Take just a moment to evaluate the situation.
Does this person claim to be a believer? Okay, then address the moral issue in a gentle way. On that builds the person up instead of condemns them. Be sure to use scripture to address the issue and not your personal beliefs.
If the person does not believe in God. Then don’t worry about the moral issue because that is not nearly as important as their need for salvation. Instead, look for a way to open their eyes to the truth of God. Again in a humble manner using scripture. In order to do this, it is best to first prepare yourself through prayer.
In either situation, remember that we are called to love one another. That means no matter what they believe to be morally correct, we are to love them. So don’t allow the sin to judge others to creep into your life. Instead, reach out to everyone in a loving way and keep that ticket book tucked away.
Matthew 22:36-39 (ESV)
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Hopefully, this article has shown that Christians are not called to be the moral police. Nor are we meant to push our morals onto others who do not share our beliefs. If you enjoy our content and want to help us reach more people please share this article on your social media. We would greatly appreciate it! God Bless!
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