Nena Arias | September 14, 2020
Going soft on sin is like shooting yourself in the foot because of its inevitable destruction. We can’t be soft on sin and still be free. Sin is enslavement. “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin…. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:34-36). We either choose to be a slave to sin or accept God’s freedom through Christ. No one is allowed to be on both sides at the same time.
Why have Americans, especially those in modern Christianity, gone soft on sin? This is our biggest problem. People have bought into the lie of “judge not” and the “tolerance” misunderstanding. Tolerance and approval are not the same thing. People say, “God loves me just the way I am”. They do this by quoting portions of Scriptures out of context which distorts the meaning. They proceed with this distortion and make it out to seem like a legitimate argument but in reality, it is false. Their reasoning for the tolerance of sin is unscriptural. It does not line up with the Word of God that says, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” (Romans 1:18)
God is always vigilant against sin even though he is patient to give us time to repent. He has never changed what he has defined as sin and he never will. The fact that he doesn’t apply the punishment instantaneously doesn’t mean he is giving us a pass on sin.
Nowadays, those who want to justify their sin misuse the accusation of “intolerance” in an attempt to shame and silence Christians and accuse them of pointing out sin because of “hate”. It doesn’t matter how respectful a Christian defends God’s truth they are called “haters” and are accused of hating “diversity”.
God calls those who defend his truth faithful and he blesses them. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10) I experienced this recently and lost a person who I thought was a friend and I had gone out of my way to serve unselfishly for years. But the fall out happened because I did not go soft on sin and I did not change what the Word of God says about it. This friend expected my love for her to betray my love and commitment I have for God’s Word.
The Apostle Paul taught and encouraged Timothy to always defend God’s Word of truth: “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,” (2 Timothy 4:2-3).
Do we love Jesus enough to deal with our sins and the sins of others deliberately and diligently? Our daily lives should include confession, repentance, and sin-defeating disciplines. Going soft on sin is the death of anyone. The only way to have God’s best is to live pure lives according to God’s Word. We must hide God’s Word in our hearts to not sin against him. There is delight in obedience to the Almighty. We have everything to lose and nothing but sorrow to gain when we go soft on sin and contaminate our souls.
