Day 61 Through The Bible

Day 61: The Responsibility of Revealing Sin and the Call to Help Each Other

In life, we often encounter situations where we observe others' wrongdoings. It can be easy to ignore these moments, perhaps because we fear conflict or don’t want to be seen as judgmental. However, the Bible clearly guides our responsibility regarding sin—our own and others'.

Biblical Principle: Accountability and the Sin Offering

The Scriptures teach us that if we are aware of someone’s sin and choose to remain silent, we are not innocent. Leviticus 5:1-5 highlights that failing to speak up about someone else's sin makes us complicit in it. The passage warns that if we witness someone swearing, touching an unclean thing, or engaging in any sin and not revealing it, we will bear the weight of that sin ourselves. This is a powerful reminder that silence in the face of sin carries its consequences.

Furthermore, the same sin offering is required for the one who remains silent as the one who sins. In Leviticus 5:12-13, it’s clear that a sin offering and atonement are necessary to address this failure. The guilty party must confess their sin and seek forgiveness, as the priest makes atonement for the transgression.

Practical Application: Walking in Accountability and Grace

While these verses speak to the need for accountability, they don’t suggest that we are to become harsh judges or point fingers at every imperfection. The Bible offers a balance—yes, we must be aware of sin, but we are also called to approach one another with compassion, understanding, and humility.

In Galatians 6:1-2, Paul urges us to restore those caught in sin with a spirit of meekness, acknowledging our vulnerability to temptation. We must not stand as superior judges over others but as humble brothers and sisters who seek restoration. As the verse says, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Interestingly, the famous "Judge not, that ye be not judged" passage from Matthew 7:1-6 does not contradict this call for accountability but complements it. Jesus teaches us to examine our hearts first—removing the "beam" from our eyes before addressing the "mote" in someone else's. In essence, we are to correct others, but only after we have humbled ourselves and dealt with our shortcomings.

However, this passage contains an essential warning: Not everyone will be receptive to correction. Some may reject our attempts to help, choosing to remain in their sin. In these cases, Jesus advises us not to cast our pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). If our efforts are not accepted, we are to walk away and not force our help on others who refuse it.

The Call to Action: Speak Up and Restore in Love

We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to sin, nor should we pass judgment without considering our failings. The Bible calls us to help others by speaking the truth in love, offering guidance, and walking alongside them in restoration. This is not about condemning others but showing them the grace and mercy we have received.

If we witness sin and choose to ignore it, we share in the guilt. Yet, when we approach others with humility and a desire to restore, we fulfill the law of Christ. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, not only in showing love but guiding one another back to righteousness.

Let us not be silent when we see sin but speak the truth in love, offering a path to redemption through grace and humility.