Have you ever tried to share the Word of God to those who are living in sin? Did you share the love of God instead of condemning people? When was the last time you sincerely listened to someone story and tried to understand their struggles?
As much as we want to show the people the truth behind their struggles or sin, we need to remember that God did not save us because we are holy and pure. He did not save us because we are spotless. God rescued us because HE is holy, pure, spotless and we were in need of His grace.
And that’s how we should treat our brothers and sisters who are also struggling. God poured out His love and grace to us from the moment we realized that we need a Savior.
God never condemns us.
Like a Father who longs for His children to come back in His arms, God wants to embrace all of us especially in times when we cannot accept our failures and mistakes. He loves us even in times when we can’t love ourselves. That’s how God cares for us.
So if you have friends who are living in sin, don’t push them away by condemning them. Treat them how God treated you. Don’t pressure them to change; you can never change a person. Only the love of God can transform a person’s heart. Be Christ’s love to them and let the Holy Spirit do His transformative work.
If you’re having a hard time sharing the truth with your friend, Pastor Kris Vallotton shared in his blog, “7 Ways To Be A True Friend To Someone In Sin And Shame”. He cited practical ways that will teach you how to love them the way God loves them.
- Be humble by remembering where you came from.
- Love people for who they are and not for who they could be.
- Don’t parade your accomplishments in front of the broken.
- Give people hope without requiring them to change.
- Be empathic; listen from the heart without feeling the need to correct their opinions.
- Show an interest in their lives.
- Often people in shame live in fantasy to numb the pain of reality and give themselves hope – It’s important to understand that when you live in shame, fantasy is where you sustain yourself until you find a place of truth and walk out. Find a way to give people a sense of hope before you destroy their fantasy, as fantasy often numbs the pain of a terrible reality.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
We are not the judge so we do not have the authority to condemn. God wants His children to show the world who He truly is through how we love.
This article was written by Kriza Jo L. Tanduyan.
Source Krisvollotton.com
