I had a conversation with a friend yesterday where he had been upset by a comment by a coworker. His coworker insisted that one of his friends was committing an unforgivable sin and was going straight to hell for it. I will not mention what the "sin" is because I don't want this blog going off in the wrong direction...
I do not believe that there are any "unforgivable sins." Mass murderers can be converted and repent and be forgiven. You are not going to go to hell because of what movies you decide to see, or if you go out for a beer after work, or if you decide to go dancing on a Sunday. (Gasp!) There are some churches that would condemn me for saying that, but then again they would condemn me for being a woman and daring to speak in church, too.
So, my thoughts on pointing fingers and calling others sinners... In John 8 Jesus had a prostitute dragged in front of him by a lot of self righteous people. They wanted to stone her. That is the punishment for adultery, after all. (Personally, I want to know where the person was that she was caught with... It takes two to tango, so to speak. Why wasn't he there in danger of stoning... but I digress...)
Jesus told them. "You who are without sin, throw the first stone." At least they were all smart enough to realize that none of them were perfect. They all put their stones down and left. Jesus then forgave the woman and let her go! All through the Gospels the people Jesus got the angriest at were those pointing out another person's sin. The Pharisees were so proud of how they "followed all the laws" and Jesus wouldn't stand for it. We are all sinners. Jesus died for all of our sins. If Jesus died so that my sins would be forgiven and washed away, who are you to say that Jesus can't forgive me?
Every time someone tried to point out someone else's sins to Jesus, the person he condemned was the one pointing their finger. The people who put down their stones, realized their mistakes were lucky. Jesus didn't have to chastise them.
Why do we always want to point out the sins of others? What is so attractive about being Pharisaical? Maybe putting others down makes us feel bigger or better about our sinful selves. So the next time you want to point out someone else's sins, remember what Paul said. "We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Yes, Jesus died for your sins, but he died for the person you are pointing a finger at, too...
Maybe it would be best for us all to try to see to our own faults and failings and leave the judging to God. Now, I am not saying that it is wrong to give gentle and loving advice, if you see someone going the wrong direction, but have you ever seen anyone improve their life or attitude because they were told they were horrible and evil?
Remember that Jesus suggested that before we take the speck out of our brother or sister's eye, we need to take care of the log in our own. (Mt. 7:3-5)
Grace and Peace!
