Ask a Pastor Column

Q:  I know we are supposed to hate the sin but love the sinner. I am having trouble with that. Can you help with how to do that? (Part Two of Two)

A:  Last week we talked about our need as believers to have compassion on sinners, having the same understanding and mercy for them that God has for us (Matthew. 18:28-35). However, we can go too far in the opposite direction if our concern for sinners leads us to be soft or “wishy-washy” about sin itself. The Bible maintains a perfect balance between firm condemnation of sin and love for the sinner. We must strive for the same tension and balance as Christians (James 5:19-20).

Some people think that it is loving to excuse the wrong choices of others and go easy on them when they make bad decisions. The Bible says the exact opposite: it is God’s love that leads Him to discipline His children clearly, promptly and firmly (Hebrews 12:5-6). This is because the consequences of sin are destructive, both to the sinner and those around him or her. So God loves the sinner by correcting their self-destructive behavior and teaching them to live right or properly. God loves the sinner by hating the sin.

Those who are soft on sin misunderstand the seriousness of sin itself and the destructive consequences of allowing it to take root in our lives (Proverbs 14:12; Romans 6:23). Just as a loving parent will snatch a child away from walking onto a busy street or a caring doctor will perform surgery on an infected wound, so we should love those under our care enough to correct habits or choices that lead to destruction (Proverbs 19:18).

As we wrap up it’s important to distinguish between those who are under our authority and those who aren’t. We are called to enforce right behavior for those under our authority (our children while they are living under our roof, our students if we are teachers, etc.). Anyone outside of our direct authority can be offered friendly guidance, advice and counsel, but we must not assume authority we haven’t been given by trying to enforce right behavior as we would for our children. God respects the responsibility that he has entrusted to each of us and allows us to make choices; even wrong ones (Luke 15:11-13). We must do the same for one another.

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­ Let us know what you think of the ask a pastor articles! If you’ve found them helpful in any way, been blessed by an article, or have any thoughts on how we could make it better, let us know by sending an email to [email protected] or by mail to Formoso Church; P.O. Box 66; Formoso, Kansas 66942. And, as always, feel free to send us your Bible questions!