No Matter His Sin

September 10

We live in a sin-filled world. It is difficult, it is virtually impossible to look around, to behold the inhumanity of man to his brother, without feeling righteous indignation at what we see. The embezzler whose thievery robs the elderly of their lives’ savings deserves prison for his treachery.

The pervert who rapes and murders a child is worthy of eternal torment. The terrorist who preys on the innocent by-stander who cannot fathom the intensity of the malice within his heart cannot be expedited quickly enough to join satan’s demons in the bowels of hell.

Yet the Word of God tells us that we must not be among those who condemn. Yes, we are admonished to try men’s works to see if they reflect the heart of the Savior, but judgment is not our prerogative. Romans 2:1 tells us, “When you judge another, you condemn yourself since you do the same things.” We may not be in the category of thieves and murderers and terrorists, but sin occupies our hearts, too.

That is, until we behold the mercy and love of Jesus who gave Himself for our sin. When we recognize our guilt and our total inability to absolve it, we will claim the gift Jesus purchased for us. Then, because we have received His forgiveness, we will be compelled to take the message of forgiveness to all men; for every man must have the chance to claim the cleansing he will receive—no matter his sin—when he embraces Jesus as His Savior and Lord and King.