God's Word to the Wise

A phobia is an exaggerated and irrational fear. The suffix -phobia is frequently used to form terms describing social prejudices like transphobia, islamophobia, and homophobia. I do not have a phobia. I have a rational fear of God. (Proverbs 16:6b) “…through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.” (Proverbs 9:10) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Like my Lord Jesus I am to be empathic toward those caught in sin. (Hebrews 4:15) “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” And like Jesus, I cannot permit my empathy to morph into acceptance and approval of my sin or others’ sin.

As Christ’s follower I am challenged not only to resist evil desires, but I am admonished not to give approval to those who indulge in depravity. If a despondent man is standing on the roof of a high building threatening suicide, it would be evil for me to cheer him on or encourage him to follow through and jump. “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6) 

Some Christians imagine themselves as being tolerant when they openly endorse evil behaviors. In a culture where flaunting sin is common and opposing sin is seen as hate, many believers yield to the pressure to cheer depravity, call good what God calls evil, and undermine the Biblical plea for repentance. It is one thing to be kind and respectful. It is another thing to approve and enable.

Jesus did welcome sinners, but He also motivated them to turn from their transgressions, live a transformed life, and be saved. When Jesus began His ministry, His first recorded words were, “’The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’” (Mark 1:15). He also warned, “…unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke 13:3).

Rather than endorsing sin, the compassionate and faithful response of Christians is to encourage others toward repentance and to receive salvation from sin. Understandably, that is not easy to do in this era of cancel culture when there is so much pressure to conform and unpleasant consequences from social media bullies. 

I cannot embrace what God calls evil, even as it pertains to my own sin. Nor can I remain silent.