Q&A: Christian Living

The Parable Of The Unforgiving Servant. Proper Application For Believers.

Don Gerrity Q&A: Christian Living, Q&A: Forgiveness, Q&A: Parables Of Jesus
The Parable Of The Unforgiving Servant. Proper Application For Believers.

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.” (Matthew 18: 21-35 KJV)

Context matters greatly when reading difficult verses of Scripture and verse 34-35 are certainly difficult if not using proper context. There are those ignoring the context and focus of the Gospels based on verse 35. You must admit, verse 24-25 are some harsh words from Jesus right? Does this mean if we do not forgive a person as Jesus forgave us that we will be condemned to hell then and lose Salvation? It is so important to understand that the context here matters greatly. And what is the context in Matthew 18?

First we must realize that passages in the Gospels that are before the cross are addressed directly to the Israelites; the Jewish people and Pharisees of that time who were believing that Law keeping is the way to be favored by God. There are certainly learning to be had in this parable for believers about how we should be forgiving others as Christ forgave us but to make verse 34-25 about a believer who loses Salvation is just not in proper context for the Body of Christ.

Jesus is talking to His early disciples (early learners) here. Earlier, Peter is asking Jesus about forgiveness to his brother (fellow believers, starting at verse 22). Just how often am I to forgive a brother who sins against me?

The debt here represents our SINS. It is a debt that we cannot repay. The servant owed 10,000 talents. That is a massive debt, truly massive. That would be like several million dollars today. This shows us just how sinful we are in the God’s sight. We have an absolute impossibility to repay our debt of sins, through our own efforts.

The King/Master is Jesus Christ. This scene looks almost like a court room. The servant is brought in to give an account for his sin debt to God.

The servant owed an enormous debt (had a lifetime of sins) and the King demanded that payment be made but it was such a large debt that the servant could not pay it. The King’s judgment is to sell the servant and his entire family to regain the money owed to him. Not that just the servant will be sold but his entire family. It is a severe judgment. As is judgment for a persons sins. We are all hopelessly guilty before God with no way to repay. God keeps an account of sins and every sin is added to an account and logged.

At the appointed time that God has set, He will open this account to settle it. Each sin debt will either be paid in punishment or forgiven by God. The terms by which this will happen are in perfect alignment to the perfect character of God who never changes. God will ensure that His character remains intact. We have to be accountable to God, but God is accountable to Himself, as there is no other higher being that exists.

In verse 26, the servant pleads to God saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.’  This verse is a tell tale. What I mean is, the servant is saying he will pay back this enormous debt if given more time, as if he could through his own efforts, yet knowing it has already been a long time without repayment because he has been brought before the King.

Again, this parable is addressed to the Jewish people who believed their Law keeping would justify them and gain favour with God by their deeds and self righteous efforts; it is not addressed to believers of the New Covenant of the Grace of God through Christ crucified, died and risen. This servant is not a believer on Christ for Salvation. He is a servant because He is one of God’s chosen people; a Israelite. This particular servant is just like all of us in that we have a huge sin debt against God. But this servant, in his plea for mercy, does not seem to admit that he could never pay back this debt. He outright lies about doing so. It is utterly impossible. Then again, when we first come to the Lord Jesus we may not always see just how bad things really are in God’s sight. Isn’t that true? Yes we acknowledge we have a huge sin debt but I am willing to bet you the debt is MUCH LARGER than we think it really is!

So what does this King do? Remember, the King is really God in this parable. The King forgives his entire debt, all of it! Millions of today’s dollars! And then RELEASES and FREES the servant! The King gives him a free pass! This my friends is the very nature of God and shows how much he loves us in His perfect compassion and love, even when we are yet sinners. Now something to also realize is that it was only after the servant cried out and begged for mercy, in fear of the King’s righteous punishment, that the King was moved to compassion and forgave all this servants debts.

Notice that the King did not PAY for the servants debt in this parable; the king forgave the servants debt.  Jesus however PAID for our sin debt completely and this is another point showing that this parable is not addressed to saved believers today nor about a believer’s loss of Salvation as some are teaching. It is addressed to God’s chosen people, the Jews who were under the Old Covenant of Law keeping.

You would think that after being forgiven the debt and being made completely free that this servant would have had some serious gratitude and a very thankful heart. After having been so forgiven while he was seriously guilty of not paying his debts you would think that he would have such compassion on others as well. Unfortunately, this particular servant shown a complete lack of caring, feeling as we see when he runs into another person who owes him just 100 denari, or in the Greek 100 denarius . A denarius was around the equivalent to a days wage being around $20USD. So that equates to just about $2000 USD in today’s modern economy. Now if yo compare the millions of dollars this servant owed and was forgiven of when he asked the King for mercy, what is a debt of $2000? This forgiven servant in anger grabs the guy an demands that he pay him back NOW. The person that owes him money, “…fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.”  Here we see a fellow servant, another person living under the Law of Moses. And did this forgiven servant remember what it was like to owe a debt that you cannot repay yet? I mean, he could never have paid back the millions. Here it is only about 100 days of work. Surely a payment plan could have been arranged over a couple years or more. But what does he do instead? “And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.” He threw this guy in prison! Not nice at all is it?

When the King finds out what he has done (and God knows everything that we have done!) the reaction is swift and harsh indeed.

“Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee?”

Does it seem like the King was fair or unfair? Would you say, more than fair? Now we are getting to the bottom of this parable to the disciples. The forgiven servant is now called ‘wicked’.  This unforgiving servant has sinned against his fellow Jew and the King’s justice is falling upon him just as the Law requires.

Jesus then says something that we really need to take to heart that is of great importance.

“So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

This parable is not saying that once a person is saved and forgiven their sins through the atonement of Jesus Christ that their Salvation can be revoked. That would go against so many Scriptures that show we are secure in Christ from the moment of our Salvation. That would even contradict the words of Jesus Himself many times in Scripture. Again, all of Matthew 18 is Jesus burying the Jewish peoples in their Law keeping to have favour with God. Jesus is not addressing us today who are saved by the blood of Jesus.

The way the servant asks the King for mercy and the request to give him more time (be patient) to pay back the debt shows that this individual does not grasp the reality of the situation. He thinks he can pay back the debt of sin in self effort but we cannot repay for our sins ourselves. Only Christ accomplished this for us on the cross. And being forgiven by the King, he then thinks arrogantly and that he is better than others who are sinning and have a sin debt, as if he does not have sin still. And treats them harshly based on their debt as a sinner. Too full of PRIDE just like Satan is. The King calls this servant ‘wicked’ and that is not a term ever used for the Body of Christ, for believers in Christ’s atonement.

God forgave us with the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. It was not just an easy pass. Salvation is a free gift for us to receive without self effort. But for God and Jesus it was hardly free; it was an extremely painful act in love towards us. As a redeemed person we need to have a forgiving heart towards others, even when they sin against you in a vial manner; forgive others to the extreme! Pray that God open their eyes and save them. Only God can do it!

Does Forgive Mean To Forget?

And do not think that to forgive means to forget. Forgive and do not repay them for their wrongdoing, that is forgiveness towards others. It does not mean that you have to go back and continually take abuse of any kind. But just WALK AWAY and know that God is right there with you. Recognize that you too sin against others at times and forgive them. But do not take revenge yourself against such a person,

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19 KJV)

Give that task to God but ask Him to forgive them as Stephen did, even while they were stoning him! As Christ did even as they were mocking Him and hanging Him on the cross! Pray for them, pray for even your enemies, and for God to bring them repentance unto Salvation in Christ. In other words, “Let go. And let God.” By doing this you are doing right as a forgiven child of God.

The Tragedy Of The Wicked

“But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.” (Psalm 73:2-5 KJV)

Have you ever noticed how the ‘wicked’ and as yet ‘unredeemed’ people of the world tend to have some pretty amazing luck? How many times have you heard a believer ask “I am redeemed through Christ and I try to do good works for the Lord, but why is it I keep having major problems while I see so many wicked evil people doing so well?” It sure does seem that way at times, doesn’t it? This world is being ruled to a certain extent by Satan until Christ’s returns and bounds him for 1000 years. Anything that goes against the world system, or the worlds way, is going against the wind and it causes turbulence.

God loves people unconditionally right? Does he not love a person that is yet, unredeemed and who has not accepted Christ? The Bible is clear that God loves everyone, sinners included, unconditionally. And you know what? If a person is not recognizing their sinfulness and is asking God for mercy, saying to God “I WILL pay you back”, that person is trying to buy their way to freedom from their sin debt. That will NOT save that person. However, does God have the right to help them from their financial situation in compassion? Look at this Scripture,

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5: 43-48 KJV)

These are the very words of Jesus instructing us how to behave and live for God. This is how our attitude should be. He tells us here that God loves the unredeemed too and He sends good things to both the wicked and the good. Jesus is telling us plainly that this is how we should be treating others, both believers and non believers, after our Salvation. Where would we be without the forgiveness that God obtained for us through Jesus Christ? We would be hell bound for eternity my friend. Thank God for His forgiveness, now go and forgive others and God will highly respect that as He works through you to a lost world.

You have trouble while the wicked seem not to have troubles? Understand that God has given you ALL THINGS through Christ. You are Heaven bound forever. But what of the wicked and unredeemed? They may be having it good now but it is fleeting. Be encouraged because Christ said ,

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 KJV).

The word ‘tribulation’ used here in the original Greek is the word ‘thlipsis’ which has a meaning of ‘pressure (what constricts or rubs together), used of a narrow place that “hems someone in”; tribulation, especially internal pressure that causes someone to feel confined, a feeling of no way to escape” .

With the Holy Spirit residing within us we are bound to go against the grain of the world system as it is today because it is an ungodly world system right now. And it will continue to be until Jesus returns to Earth to rule and reign. As believers in Christ, the Holy Spirit guides us and renews our minds over time and we start to see things through God’s eyes and not the worlds eyes. We need to have a heart for the lost. Do you not remember that you were once lost too?

One side of the coin is that the wicked prosper because God is good to the unbeliever and the believer. The other side of the coin at work is Satan and his fallen angels. The Bible calls Satan ‘the ruler of this world’ (John 12:31) And Satan is perfectly fine with a person that either rejects God altogether, or a person that bases his status with God on their own self effort and good works. Satan loves it when people do all kinds of ‘religious things’ and ‘rituals’ and ‘penance for sins’. He loves it when people compare themselves with others as a standard of righteousness instead of comparing against the true standard, our Holy God. He loves it because these people are having the same sin that Satan has; the sin of pride. It is all about self effort and self righteousness. If you think about it a moment; will Satan and his fallen angels work to continue them in prosperity and keep their mind off God, or give them troubles in life?

You see, it is a funny thing about life troubles. Many times it is only in these life troubles that people tend to cry out to God for help. We realize the trouble is way out of our control. When we are at the very bottom , there is only ONE way to look and that is UP! Up to God for help. Satan does not want people turning to God or thinking that maybe there is a God who will help me, who loves me. So, as ruler of this world Satan and his fallen angels may be assisting these people in being successful in the worldly and ungodly system, in which we live. And this being the case, if you are having troubles in life that just seem to gnaw at you and you are fighting one battle and then into another. You need to know where it is coming from. It is like Jesus says,

“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12 KJV)

Rejoice when you are being persecuted and people say all kinds of evil things about you? When they gossip about you and falsely accuse you? Why rejoice in that? Because God has given you ALL THINGS.

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32 KJV)

At the Rapture you will be as Jesus is! Immortal. Blessed for ever. The wicked do not have this long term blessed hope. All they have is FEAR in what is coming for them. But believers in Christ do! Jesus says to be exceedingly GLAD! GREAT is your reward in heaven!

This world and world system is fleeting. Most people have a life span of maybe 90 years? Most only around 70-80 years. What is that amount of time verses forever and ever and ever in the presence of God, with no more fleshly sinful mind in people? Where everything is a pure blessing. Where there will be no more tears even? At the moment of a persons Salvation our inner nature became a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17) A heaven bound creation. We are just waiting for our bodies to be changed and then ZAP!.. we are in the presence of Jesus forever in immortality.

Forgive everyone that sins against you!
Even when it is very hard!
Especially when it is very hard!
Give it to God.
You do the RIGHT thing and leave all the rest to God.

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Once Saved, How Should We Live?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Christian Living

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

Being a real Christian is being a follower of Jesus the Christ, the Messiah and Savior of the world. If you believe that Jesus was God who became human through the virgin Mary, that He lived a sinless life and that He died on the cross to take upon Himself the punishment for the sins of the whole world, and you have asked Him to forgive you and save you, then you are saved. You have asked for the forgiveness of your sins through Christ’s act of atonement and accepted His free gift of salvation from your sins. You believe in the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement and that you are no longer under God’s condemnation but are part of the redeemed and Bride Of Christ  You have received the very righteousness of God, in Christ.

The question for anew believer is then, “Now what do I do?”. How does God want me to live? First you need to know this one important fact… you will still sin after your conversion. Try your best all you want but you will still have sin in your life. You are no better than an unredeemed person in regard to sin. The difference though is that positionally you are 100% forgiven for all your life’s sins because Jesus paid your sin debt. You are no longer condemned nor will you be judged to eternal death with the unredeemed unbelievers.

Does that mean I am saying to go ahead and sin all you want? Absolutely NOT. Out of gratitude and knowing what a high price was paid for your redemption through the shed blood and pain of Christ on the cross you should be trying to not sin. Yes, absolutely you do need to start turning from your sinful ways while asking God to help you and to change you.

However, you need to understand that not sinning after salvation is not a requirement of your salvation. Salvation is not of works and is only through faith in the atonement that Jesus Christ provided for your forgiveness. This also does not mean that Christians never sin again once they accept the salvation of Christ.

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” (1 John 2:1-3 KJV)

As Christians we are to resist sin in an increasing manner and to keep His commandments to the best of our abilities as Christians. Now when I say “His commandments” I am talking about the law of liberty through Christ and not the Ten Commandments. It is in fact, something that a true Christian WANTS to do as we learn about God more and more. The Holy Spirit resides in every person that has repented (believed on Christ). As the Holy Spirit renews our minds over time, we start making a real effort to turn from our sin in an increasing basis during our life.

Because it is something WE NEED to do to be saved? No. Because God starts changing our world view as we learn the truth from the Word of God and this will outwardly produce good works.  Not that doing so saves us from our sin debt, Christ forgave our sins on the cross once – for all. Our salvation was God’s unmerited favor towards us and 100% God’s work through Christ. But once we have become a member of the family of God by receiving the free gift of salvation we start changing because the Holy Spirit starts to guide and correct us. This change in a persons life is a result of what God is doing in the life of a Christian. It is a sort of proof of salvation. This is how we should be living after salvation. In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul sums this up very nicely and so here is the entire text for you to review and gain a better understanding:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

 

Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Christian Living Can Be A struggle At Times

Some of these are not easy to do at times are they? Like “Bless those that persecute you” for example. “Repay no one evil for evil.” But isn’t that what God did to us? When we were still full of a sin debt and headed for God’s judgment and were His enemies, He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins so we could be saved from His wrath to come? Yes, we are saved, redeemed, and no longer condemned for our sin. But that does not mean that we can go ahead and sin because the debt is paid?

Remember, our sin is the reason Jesus died for us with such a horrible death taking on the punishment we deserve. God has allowed you and me into His family where we now call him Father, Daddy, Abba. Shouldn’t we try our very best to resist temptations and sin in our lives? Oh yes, we will still sin, and that old sin nature is still within us pushing us to sin. But we should be struggling and resisting as hard as we can. And when we do fall to sin, Jesus is there saying I forgive you, now.. go and sin no more.

“Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8:1-11)

You will hear some preachers tell you that you must not sin or the judgement of God is upon you and you will lose your salvation. Ignore them because they are teaching a false Gospel of works salvation. Something that Paul spoke very strongly against as you can see by reading Galatians. And isn’t it interesting that in the above Scripture that Jesus did not say to the woman, ” Go and sin no more, nether do I condemn you” .. NO! He said, FIRST, “neither do I condemn you” and then  “go and sin no more”.  So yes, try to not sin. But stand firm in your belief in the total sufficiency of Christ’s atonement on the cross, knowing all your sins are done away with and the penalty has been fully paid. You are no longer condemned for  your sins.

At the Bema Seat Rewards Judgement (1 Corinthians 3) of believers by Christ Himself, you can see that believers may lose rewards and gain rewards by their good works for Christ. However, understand that this Bema judgement is similar to an athletic competition ceremony. It is not punitive against sins committed because those at this judgement are already Raptured and have new immortal bodies without the sin nature present.
In fact, the word ‘sin or sins’ is not even found regarding this judgement of believers. Their sins on Earth were already judged on the cross in Jesus Christ. The Bema Seat is where Christ will have us give an account of our lives after salvation and is based on our MOTIVES for the works we do for God. God always looks at a persons motives. Those works that were done in the flesh (that is by us attempting to do them for the wrong human reasons) will mean a loss of reward. Those works done with the right motives for God and by the Holy Spirit through you will receive reward.  That is, by what we do and WHY we did the works. So yes, it is important to want to please God and be involved in His work. Yet, even a person who accepted Christ with no works will still be saved and in heaven yet with little or no reward. (1 Corinthians 3:13) Everyone will suffer some loss of rewards and gain of rewards. Some may not receive a reward and feel some shame about it. But overall the feeling is like that of school graduation or an Olympic rewards ceremony. It is a positive event and all at this Bema Seat event are all in Heaven where joy abounds in ways that we cannot yet even comprehend fully right now here on Earth.
Paul describes life after salvation as a race to press toward knowing what awaits at the finish line. As a new believer, your number one goal is to learn about God and His ways (Here is a Quick start for knowing about what God is really like). Start reading the Bible. Use the free study guides found online – there are thousands! The more you know the Bible, the more the Holy Spirit is working in you and guiding you in your life. Your salvation happened in a single moment in time, appointed by God and now the Holy Spirit of God lives within you and will teach you all things. He will start to sanctify you which continues increasingly throughout your life until that day when you will be resurrected at the Rapture. Just pray to your heavenly Father for Him to help and He will. I guarantee you that!
Jesus says to believers,
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” (Revelation 22:12 KJV)

Why Are There So Many Ups & Downs In Life?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Christian Living
Why Are There So Many Ups & Downs In Life?

“Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!” (Philippians 4:1 KJV)

Life is such a roller coaster ride, seemingly without purpose at times, isn’t it? It is going along straight with some small climbs but then a steep climb starts and then at the worst time…relief and woooossh back to the straight and easier line of sight. Up and down, sharp curves, good times and bad times, Peace and war.

What about after you become a Christian? Life is great and everything goes smoothly if you are Christian right? When you become a Christian and start living right nothing bad will come your way right? No hardship shall find you. You shall prosper in money and everything you do and put your mind to will succeed. At least, that is what several “evangelists” say on your TV. But is that true? Is that a Biblical fact?

Not only is that not true, it is also not found in the Scriptures of the bible. If anything, the word of God is very clearly opposed to this view. Those that teach that when a person becomes a Christian “life gets easy” are not only wrong in their ideas, they are going against the purposes of God and causing people to speak badly of the true Christian faith. So many non believers in Christ think that Christians are “goody two shoes“. That Christians think they are better then the rest of the world. This view is further enhanced by the false religions claiming to be “Christian”, but who teach things very clearly against the word of God.

In contrast, Christians are no different then current non believers. We all sin against God. The Christian who says he does not sin is a liar according to the Scriptures.

“If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:10 KJV)

Christians are only different in that we have been forgiven of our sins and the righteousness of Christ is now upon us. We have been justified and set free from our debt of sin and the eternal punishment of sin against a Holy God. It is not that we make ourselves Holy. It is a gift from God.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 KJV)

In Philippians 4 we can see what we, as those that believe in Christ, should do to help in the renewing of our mind. The Holy Spirit is the one that renews the minds of Christians but we can apparently help by lining ourselves up with what the Holy Spirit is doing; making us more and more like Jesus.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9 KJV)

In Philippians, it also reads,

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:4-5 KJV)

It sounds a bit like Christians have everything easy without hardship right? Well, not really. This passage uses the word “always”. When things are going well it is easy to rejoice. But what about when things go wrong? And not to plan? This is saying no matter if things are going well or bad that we are to “rejoice!”. That is a big difference. Philippians continues and reads,

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:6-9 KJV)

Paul is saying for Christians to not be anxious about anything. He did not say that in our lives there would not be occurrences that we would not be anxious over. He did not say it was easy to not be anxious over such things either. He said to pray to God. Not to beg God but to pray and know and have faith that God listens and that God truly does love you and cares more then we can understand. Having such faith, we should pray with “thanksgiving“, even in the bad times understanding and trusting that God has a purpose for this in your life and in the life of others.

Jesus said many times that the “just” (Christians who have been justified by believing in the completed atonement Christ provided on the cross) shall live by “faith”. (Romans 1:1, Galatians 3:11) Faith in what you ask? Faith in Jesus Christ. Faith that there is a God and that God is right there with you in your circumstances and that

“… we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 KJV).

Not just the good times in life, it says in “all things”; the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.

We are to have faith in the fact that God is in full charge. No matter what circumstance you find yourself in, God has a plan. God is NOT surprised by ANYTHING!

He goes before you and knows the entirety of your life. His ways are far above our understanding but through your life as a believer you can see the answer of “why” from looking back after having gone through a situation.

And in some cases we may not understand the answer to “Why has this happened to me?” until after the resurrection. But you can be assured that God is in full control and we can trust Him. And in every battle we face in life God equips us to accomplish the task. Paul explains it this way in Philippians 4,

“ Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:11-13 KJV)

The Apostle Paul. You know the story, Saul who met Jesus risen on the road to Damascus? Saul who was blinded by Jesus and asked why he was persecuting Christians? After his conversion from a killer of Christians and given the new name “Paul”, to becoming maybe one of the most influential teaching Apostles in all of history; he certainly did not have the “easy” life. Instead he was imprisoned, beaten many many times. So much of what we would call “bad” happened to him in his Christian walk. But God had a plan for his life and he would not have had the impact on the world (even to this day!) had he received the “easy life” after conversion. I end this topic the way I started it:

“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” (Philippians 4:1 KJV)

Is God With Me In My Battles Of Life?

Don Gerrity Q&A: Christian Living

“And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. ” (2 Chronicles 20:15 KJV)  

Remember what Jesus said to the Apostles (and us) just before He ascended? He said,

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20 KJV)

As a born again believer in Christ, the Holy Spirit lives within you. And so when trouble comes knocking at your door not only is God not surprised by it, He is right there WITH YOU and He will see you through it.

It is said that the “…just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). So if you believe God is with you who can really go up against you? Jesus paid it ALL on that cross and believers have the very righteousness of Christ.

When you face an alarming and huge obstacle in your life, the very first place to go is to God! Know that He will take up every just battle for you.

Have faith. Believe it. RECEIVE IT… based on the promises in the Bible, the word of God, and then watch how God shows up!

And in my experience, He shows up in ways you would never expect just so that you know that He is the one that fought the battle.

God loves to increase our faith in Him!

The Importance Of Hearing God’s Word

Don Gerrity Q&A: Christian Living
The Importance Of Hearing God’s Word

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
( Romans 10:17 KJV)

You may have heard by many preachers and teachers something along the lines of  “Don’t be just readers of the Bible but be doers.”  Well, that is true to some extent. We really should apply what the Bible and God says into our daily life. However, it is the Holy Spirit doing the good works and helping us to bear good fruit (Read my article The True Vine). In fact, it is actually more important first to understand the truth of the Bible and God. It is the Holy Spirit that will guide your paths to understanding the truth about your life and your relationship to God.

Imagine a new kindergarten student on the first day of school. She is told the story of the three little pigs and the big bad wolf. She thinks it is a nice story but does not yet grasp the meaning of the story she has only heard once nor how it can apply to her life. Then she goes to her other friends not yet in school and tells them that the big bad wolf has a breathing problem because he is always huffing and puffing. She has not yet grasped the true meaning, nor has she learned something about life yet from the story. She just knows the pigs are good, the wolf is bad and he has a breathing problem.

So when a person is led by the Holy Spirit to learn about our sin nature and the perfect Holiness of God, and how we need to be saved; they may accept God’s gift of salvation by faith. However, that is only the starting point to learning about God and all the Bible truths yet to be discovered. Should such a very new crisp believer start informing their friends about the truth of the Bible? We would not expect a new born baby to go tell other new born babies about the greatness of apple sauce. New believers also need to do more study and learning so that they are equipped to help others know about the truth of the Bible and salvation.

And just think about the fact that Jesus did not start His ministry on Earth until He was 33 years old! And that was not a young person back in those days either. Jesus was brought up in the Jewish faith and reading and hearing the Torah was a constant standard practice. If it took the Son Of God, 33 years to start proclaiming salvation, who are we to start too early too? When I was 20, I never would have been able to write an article like the articles on Seekknock.org. It took a lot of Bible reading, and Bible message Hearing. And lots of true LISTENING!

Before I started reading the Bible, I was listening to Christian Radio broadcasts. These broadcasts were God’s way of filling my mind with the truth, a little at a time, over time. Through listening so much, it really impacted my life in learning what the Bible really says about life. It is amazing when I look back and see all God has shown me and taught me.. from HEARING the word. HEARING the word and LISTENING to the word are of paramount importance to a new believer! God wants to impact your MIND and have you change the way you think about who you are in Christ. Who the Bible says you are in Christ is the real you now! The Holy Spirit will do so by you hearing and listening and hearing and listening and hearing God’s word again and again. Until one day.. you you know you are finally abiding in the words of Jesus. The words of the truth and life everlasting.

And make sure you understand the difference between hearing the word of God and listening to the word of God. I guarantee you that you can hear a teacher talk all day but if you were not listening you will fail the upcoming exams.

Start listening WITH FAITH to God’s word.

“For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” (Hebrews 4:2 KJV)

Check out our YouTube channel (link at right side of website). Listen to the word of God and it will change you!

I have some great Bible verses below for you to read to yourself. These are the words of life you need to get into your mind again and again.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2 KJV)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)

“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” (Romans 3:28 KJV)

“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4:5 KJV)

“For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:23-25 KJV)

“Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.” (Isaiah 55:2-3 KJV)

“And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.” (Exodus 15:26 KJV)

“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.” (Deuteronomy 28: 1-2 KJV)

“This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” ( Galatians 3:2-5 KJV)

It’s Not About Doing Good Things

It’s not about doing good works and then God will accept you. Once you become a believer in Jesus Christ and the atonement He purchased for you the Holy Spirit will start changing you from the inside outward.

So help that process by listening to the word, reading the word. Hearing the word. Keep on hearing and reading and hearing and reading the word of God. Start listening to Christian radio – it will change your life!

And God will renew your mind and when that happens, good works will follow that God has prepared for you to do. Allow God to change you from the inside out.

Do Born Again Christians Sin?

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Do Born Again Christians Sin?

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
(1 Corinthians 6:9-10 KJV)

There are some who use this verse and say it is talking about believers in Christ and those that are redeemed by the atonement of our sin through Christ on the cross. That if you became saved through faith in Jesus and still commit sin that you are not saved and will not end up in heaven. But is this really the truth?

It is interesting that the people professing this leave out the very next verse  is,

“And such were some of you: but ye are WASHED, but ye are SANCTIFIED, but ye are JUSTIFIED in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11 KJV)

So you see the focus of this Scripture is talking about the unredeemed of Christ. Unbelievers. Those who basically not only sin but those that enjoy it and profess it openly. It is speaking about those who willingly refuse to accept Jesus as their justification and salvation through faith.

“And such were some of you”

Isn’t that a key pivotal point to this Scripture? Yes indeed! WE ALL HAVE SINNED! We all have such evil thoughts and intentions. Just a quick read of the Ten Commandments should be a mirror into your sinfulness. Jesus said that even looking at a woman in lust, we have broken a commandment. Not the act of having sex with her.. just lust looking at her. That goes for basically ever type of sin then. It is our sinful nature that is the object and why we need salvation through Christ.

Yes, we all have varying degrees of sin, some greater than others. But it is the sin nature within and even one sin is enough to disqualify a person from heaven. That is, outside of accepting the pardon for our sin through Jesus Christ’s act of atonement, whereby He became our sinful selves and took upon Himself the punishment for the sins of the world, we are lost and pat of the group the Bible calls the UNREDEEMED.

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.” (Psalm 53-1-3 KJV)

This is the state of every human being born from the age of accountability UNTIL a person accepts the atonement of Jesus Christ, the ONLY way back to a right relationship with God.

John tells us like this,

“He that BELIEVETH ON HIM is not condemned: but he that BELIEVETH NOT is condemned already, because he hath NOT BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:18 KJV)

Jesus said it as clearly as possible when He said,

“…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, BUT BY ME.” (John 14:6 KJV)

Do we sin after accepting Christ? Is it possible to never sin again from that point on? If you sin after salvation, are you no longer saved?

John tells us very clearly and simply,

” If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:10 KJV)

So do not listen to anyone that tells you, you have to be perfectly sinless after salvation to keep your salvation. No, that is totally incorrect.

Should we avoid sinning? Yes! However, know that Salvation is the work of God. It is not something we can EARN by good works. Look at these Scriptures on this topic and that is VERY evident!

 

“For by grace you have been saved THROUGH FAITH, and that NOT of yourselves; it is the GIFT of God, NOT OF WORKS, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8 KJV)

 

“Now to the one who works, his wage is NOT reckoned on the basis of grace, but as WHAT IS DUE. But to the one who DOES NOT WORK, BUT BELIEVES IN HIM (Jesus) WHO JUSTIFIES the ungodly, his faith is reckoned AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Romans 4:4-5 KJV)

 

“So they asked Him, `What can we do in order to do what God wants us to do ? Jesus answered, `What God wants you to do is to BELIEVE in the one He sent.” (John 6:28-29 KJV)

Even Paul, the writer of 2/3 of the New Testament, the once Christian persecutor, who accepted Christ on the road to Damascus. Paul, the person that gave us the road map of salvation through faith and not works. Paul, who rebuked even Peter for allowing works into the salvation equation. Paul, Known as one of the greatest of the Apostles. What does the Apostle Paul have to say about this?

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15 KJV)

Notice Paul did not say “of whom I ONCE was chief”. NO! “of whom I AM CHIEF”.

We are not to boast about how good we are as believers. We are not to look down upon the unredeemed as if you did something to be saved and you are better than they are as a person. NO! NO! NO!

The redeemed are SINNERS with a savior, Jesus the Christ. We were REDEEMED at a great cost to God! Jesus died for us, as us. He became our sins and took upon Himself the sins of the world and paid the price for our sins. Just as in court a debtor must pay his debts, we as sinners must pay our debt of sin which is eternal death in hell. But thanks be to our God that He sent His only Son, Jesus The Christ to pay our debt HIMSELF to redeem us. The sinless God-man, the perfect Sacrafice, Jesus, paid that debt on the cross. And whosoever believes this, receives a full pardon and now that the debt has been fully paid, we cannot be convicted of that debt ever again!

That is why Jesus cried out with a loud voice on the cross, “It is finished!” which in the Greek literally means PAID IN FULL.

Remember context when reading Scriptures. We are here discussing 1 Corinthians 6. But go to 2 Corinthians 5 and see that is reads,

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, NOT IMPUTING THEIR TRESPASSES UNTO THEM; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might BE MADE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

Am I Saying To Keep On Sinning? God forbid!

Absolutely not! As the Holy Spirit guides you into the truth, after your salvation, and as the Holy Spirit sanctifies you and renews your mind through the word of God, your world view will start changing. Your belief will change. Your very heart will change.

Good works will follow (but they are not what saves you… keep a humble attitude). Yes, try not to sin. But when you do fall into a sin or a sinful practice, the Holy Spirit will, not in conviction, show you your sinful way and help you correct it. Turn to God and ask for help and forgiveness. Boast to God about your weaknesses and boast in Christ instead.

 

“If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:10 KJV)

 

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” (1 John 2:1-3 KJV)

 

“But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “NEITHER DO I CONDEMN YOU; GO AND SIN NO MORE.” (John 8:1-11 KJV)

Our attitude as believers is to “Go and sin no more.” KNOWING that Christ no longer condemns you – you have been purchased and redeemed. Not that we will not still sin. It is an ongoing struggle to do what is right out of an attitude of gratitude for what Christ went through to redeem us with His blood.

Now, “go and sin no more” knowing that when we fail and sin, Christ is right there ready to catch us and help us overcome our failures. Look to Jesus for everything. He is EVERYTHING!

God Says: Haughty, is Naughty.

Don Gerrity Q&A: Christian Living, Q&A: The Truth About...
God Says: Haughty, is Naughty.

I speak to fellow believers, true Bible based Christians. We see today those who point their noses down on others who do wrong, who sin. As if, as a believer, we are any better than they when it comes to sinning?

Our commission, given by Jesus the Christ, is to preach the good news of the Gospel. To inform others the good news that the penalty for our sins was paid for in full by the Lord Jesus Christ. Not in a wishy washy way are our sins forgiven – Jesus paid for our freedom and forgiveness with HIS BLOOD, IN ANGUISH!

So great in love and mercy is our Lord towards us!

We Are Not To Be Judges Against Sins Of Others, Nor To Look Down Upon Such A Person Sinning.

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:1-5 KJV)

“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgement do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgement against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgement on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgement? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance? (Romans 2:1-4 KJV)

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)

Please brothers and sisters in Christ, know this; God hates a haughty spirit. God hates the sin of pride.

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18 KJV)

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Philippians 2:3 KJV)

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 KJV)

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
(James 4:6 KJV)

“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” (Proverbs 26:12 KJV)

 

The list of such Scriptures trying to get this into our thick skulls as believers goes on and on and on.

God Hates A Judgmental Haughty Spirit

We all are sinners deserving of eternal punishment. NO ONE can match up to the Holiness of God Almighty. We are saved only by the grace of God, through the hardship Jesus went through when He paid for our sins, so that we may be saved for all eternity. We are saved by God’s GRACE ALONE, through FAITH and BELIEF ALONE, in the atonement for our sins provided by the Son of God, Jesus Christ, on the cross ALONE. It is not by our being sinless or trying to be a better and good person than others. Yes,be a good witness and share the Gospel of our salvation. But do not judge other people’s sinning. Provide them with the truth in a loving manner. Everyone must choose fro themselves. It is between God and them and you witnessing is God working through you. But understand and be humble, and make no mistake about it, a persons salvation is all the work of God. We should be amazed He wants to even use us.

Think about That when you see others sinning.
Then in love act accordingly.