Bringing sin to the party? woe!
By James Washington, From The Dallas Weekly
As believers we think we have a lot on our plates. From our perspective however, that shouldn’t mean we’re challenged beyond our capacity to fulfill God’s destiny for us. It just means we have a purpose; God’s. The more we understand and internalize this, the more we see and appreciate the individual blessings in our lives. What I’d like to call your attention to now is a statement from Jesus’ mouth to your reality. Now make a note. I am hanging out in that forgiveness thing. This time it’s not forgiving yourself I’m talking I’m talking about. It is God’s forgiveness and grace about the sins we commit.
Nowhere in the bible can I find an expectation by God that you won’t sin after you are saved. To the contrary, the expectation is that you will. God’s grace and Christ’s blood have taken care of that for you and me. We just need to keep the appropriate perspective regarding sin and prayer and let God know our confession is genuine. The point I want to bring to your attention is when Jesus says your forgiveness ain’t happening. Luke 17:1 says, “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to the person through whom they come.” This one stunned me and I thought I’d pass it along to you. ‘…but woe to the person through whom they come.’ This kind of redefines friendship and fellowship, don’t you think?
This statement doesn’t absolve the sinner from the sin, but it does put a huge burden on the one bringing the sin trying to convince his or her Christian family member that it’s okay to partake. The consequences of this act appear to be catastrophic. You guys know I believe for anyone to truly hurt you, they have to be close enough to you to kiss you.
Can you say Judas? My point is you cannot plead ignorance on this one.
God won’t let you. Woe is waiting. This verse continues to illustrate how you should respond to one who sins against you. You forgive. Period! The verse is also clear as to your role in the body of Christ. Don’t bring sin to the party and try to convince others it really is okay to engage in it. Eve did that and we all know how that turned out.
So remember this. You are forgiven and you are to forgive. I don’t believe I follow a God of confusion. This is pretty simple. But let’s not get it twisted. This can be a trap as in entrapment. Don’t fall for it. Do not ask your friends and family to wallow in your ‘oh woe is me.’ That’s an indication of a lack of faith or, a lack of belief that Jesus has indeed fulfilled scripture. The alternative is His ‘oh woe is you.’ As always it’s your choice. It always has been and always will be.
May God bless and keep you always.