Canuckster1127 wrote:
I'm sensitive to the tone, intended or not, that we as Christians send out when we talk about sin. We're forgiven based on God's grace not our self-perceived merit before God. When we speak of sin, we need to be careful that we don't adopt the attitude of the Pharisee that Jesus described in His parable, compared to the tax collector who recognized His total need for forgiveness and didn't look down his nose at those other "sinners."
So G .... we're both sinners and our sin is no less offensive to God than anyone else's no matter what we think is better or worse. Better we talk about "us" sinners and stand with everyone else in need of God's grace than to take the position of "those" sinners and appear to be pointing the finger as if we're not.
Bart thanks...
Yes, I think you bring a valid point. I think however in the words of Christ that He still wanted us to identify sin and stop sin in our lives, John 5:14, John 8:11. Not that we will totally defeat it, that isn't what I'm saying, but at least fight for what is right.
These other verses also came to mind..
Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
2 Corinthians 13:5-6 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.
Colossians 3:5-8 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
James 1:21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Lamentations 3:40 Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.
Galatians 6:3-5 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load.
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
But doing this with the attitude that we are not superior to others who also struggle in the same area. Not to use it as a baseball bat on people.. Just being aware of sin.
At least that is how I see it.. I know that I'm not perfect either..
