i fear that when i come again my God may humble me before you, and i may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced. [2 corinthians 12:21]
our sin affects those around us:
* because, church leadership is held accountable for the flock.
obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. hebrews 13:17
* because, spouses are one.
therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. genesis 2:24
* because, we cause another to sin.
whoever causes one of these little ones, who believe in me, to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. mark 9:42
because of paul’s deep care of the corinthians’ souls, he grieved their sin. he wasn’t just concerned from a legalistic standpoint with just them breaking the law but knew it separated them from the Father. he specifically grieved the fornication, homosexuality, adultery, and prostitution that had run rampant during that time.
he felt the weight of what would be the embarrassing reflection on not only him but also defaming the name of the Lord if they didn’t repent.
how has your sin affected those around you, and where is the Lord leading you to repent today?
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put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. [colossians 3:12]
~ natalie schmidt