Day 61 Through The Bible

Day 61: The Biblical Call to Address Sin in Our Lives and Others’

The Bible clearly outlines how to handle sin—our own and others. Today, we’ll examine a biblical principle from Leviticus that shows the weight of knowing about someone else’s sin and not addressing it and the practical application of helping others overcome sin in their lives. This principle calls for us to take a proactive approach to dealing with sin, not just in our hearts but also in the lives of those around us.

Biblical Principle: The Weight of Knowing Sin and Not Addressing It

Leviticus 5:1-5 lays down a powerful truth: if we know about someone’s sin and fail to address it, we share in the guilt of that sin. The verses speak to different scenarios where people might come into contact with sin—whether by witnessing an offense, touching something unclean, or being involved in a harmful oath. In each case, the person who fails to act when they are aware of sin is deemed guilty as well.

Leviticus 5:1-5 states:

“And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity...”

This passage makes it clear that remaining silent about someone’s sin when we know of it does not make us innocent. It makes us complicit. God holds us responsible, and just as the person who sins needs a sacrifice for atonement, the one who remains silent also carries the burden of that sin.

The concept is expanded in Leviticus 5:12-13, which outlines how atonement for such sins requires a sin offering:

“Then shall he bring it to the priest... it is a sin offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for him... and it shall be forgiven him.”

This shows that God does not take sin lightly. When we know about sin but fail to address it, we are partaking in the guilt and require the same atonement. This brings us to a deeper understanding of our responsibility toward one another as members of the Body of Christ.

Practical Application: Addressing Sin with Love and Care

So, what does this look like in practical terms? Should we act as "sin police," constantly calling out others' flaws? Absolutely not. The Bible clarifies how to respond when we see sin in someone else’s life, and it requires us to act with humility, care, and responsibility.

Galatians 6:1-2 gives us clear direction:

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

This passage teaches us that our approach should be restoration, not condemnation. When we see someone overtaken by sin, we are called to help restore them. However, we must do so with meekness and humility, aware that we, too, are susceptible to sin. It’s not our role to look down on others but to help carry their burdens and guide them back to righteousness.

Interestingly, the famous verse about not judging others—Matthew 7:1—6— actually supports the need to help each other with sin. The verse is often misinterpreted as saying we should never address sin in others’ lives, but when we read the whole passage, we see a different picture.

Matthew 7:1-5 says:

“Judge not, that ye be not judged... Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?... First cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.”

The key is that before we help others, we must first deal with our sins. This isn’t a prohibition against addressing the sins of others; instead, it’s a reminder to examine ourselves first. Only when we’ve dealt with our faults can we help others remove the "mote" (a speck) from their eye.

However, Jesus also gives a word of caution: not everyone will be open to it, even when we attempt to help others. Some may resist the help and continue in their sin. In those cases, Jesus advises us not to waste our efforts on those who are unwilling to listen:

Matthew 7:6 says:

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

This reminds us that while we are called to help others, we must recognize when our attempts are not being received and walk away. In the end, we can’t force others to change their hearts; that is the work of God.

Conclusion: A Call to Help, Not Condemn

The principle we see in Leviticus and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament offer a powerful and loving call for us to address sin—not in a judgmental or condemning way, but in a spirit of meekness and restoration. It’s not enough to turn a blind eye to the sins of others; we are our brothers' keepers. But in doing so, we must check our hearts, be willing to confess our sins, and approach others with humility. The ultimate goal is to restore, not to shame.

As we go through our days, let’s remember our responsibility to care for one another, help remove the "beams" in our eyes, and lovingly guide others away from sin. May we always seek to fulfill the law of Christ by bearing one another’s burdens, knowing that in doing so, we honor God’s call to love one another sincerely and faithfully.