How To Speak Out About Sin by Sharing the Truth

Sharing is caring!

I have to admit, I felt convicted by David’s words in Psalm 39.

I said to myself, “I will watch what I do
    and not sin in what I say.
I will hold my tongue
    when the ungodly are around me.”
But as I stood there in silence—
    not even speaking of good things—
    the turmoil within me grew worse.

Psalm 39:1–2

I wonder how often I hold my tongue when I should be speaking the truth in love . . . when I should speak out about sin.

Rev watched Driving Miss Daisy the other night and called me in to hear the following words by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in a speech he gave on January 27, 1965:

“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition, was not the vitriolic words and violent actions of the bad people, but the appalling silence and indifference of the good people. Our generation will have to repent not only for the words and acts of the children of darkness but also for the fears and apathy of the children of light.”

And then this morning, I read these words by Pastor Tony Evans:

“Until we stabilize our nation’s spiritual foundation, no number of programs, government grants, or elections will be able to repair the cracks in our cultural walls. We cannot expect to fix the White House if we can’t even fix the church house.”

We’ve divided the church on what we call “political issues” when they are “moral issues.” In fact, they’re even more than simply moral issues…

They are topics about which God has clearly shared His will!

God’s Word tells us that He hates:

1. Idol Worship
2. Love for Violence
3. Prideful and Arrogant Behavior
4. Speaking Lies
5. Killing the Innocent
6. Planning and Doing Evil
7. Stirring up trouble in the family and community.
8. Robbery
9. Sin
#1–6 (Proverbs 6:15–19), #8–9 (Isaiah 61:8)

It speaks of two genders:

“When God made the world, He made them male and female. So a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one body. So there are not two, but one. God has joined the two together, so no one should separate them.” (Mark 10:6–9)

And God’s will for us sexually:

God wants you to be holy and to stay away from sexual sins. He wants each of you to learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable. (1 Thessalonians 4:3–4)

David understood that life is short…

You have given me only a short life;
    my lifetime is like nothing to you.
    Everyone’s life is only a breath. 

Psalm 39:5

And I wonder how much time we spend wasting on the unimportant when God has created us with a plan and a purpose . . . one that loves Him and loves others.

So, I’m challenging myself to ask . . . does being silent about sin demonstrate my love for God or love for others?

We are all sinners but that doesn’t mean we should ignore or excuse sin.

Paul wrote…

So do you think we should continue sinning so that God will give us even more grace? No! We died to our old sinful lives, so how can we continue living with sin?

Romans 6:1–2

And Jesus, the One who died for us so that through Him we can die to our old sinful selves, said…

“If you continue to obey my teaching, you are truly my followers. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

John 8:31–32

I want everyone to know the truth that brings freedom. I want everyone to experience the freedom that leads to peace, joy, and contentment.

So, I will speak out about sin by speaking the truth about God’s will with gentleness and respect.

It’s not necessary to scream and shout. That accomplishes nothing.
Nor should we accuse or judge. That’s God’s job.

We should simply speak the truth in love and live in a way that gives people the desire to SEEK, KNOW, TRUST, LOVE, and OBEY Jesus. Because He has to power to change everything . . . people, the church, the community, and the world.

Let’s Pray…

A Prayer to Share the Truth and Speak Out About Sin

Father, I’m challenged by Paul’s words to Timothy . . . Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching. (2 Timothy 4:2 CSB) I know I’m not always courageous enough to speak out about sin. I can be timid and anxious because I’m afraid of the way people will react. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.

I love You! And I want people to know You. I want people to know Jesus, the TRUTH who sets them free. I want to love people so much that I feel it’s vital that they know Your will. The enemy of our souls is a constant liar and has convinced so many that You want to remove fun and freedom from life when that is exactly the opposite of what Your Word says.

I pray that You will make me aware of every opportunity I have to speak Your truth in love with gentleness and respect. Not to judge or condemn but to bring life, light, and freedom through Jesus. He made forgiveness available to us. He said that He came to give us life in abundance. (John 10:10 CSB) I want everyone to know that! I want them to be able to live with peace, joy, contentment, and hope. I want them to experience the abundant life that lasts eternally.

Please guide me by Your Spirit. Show me when You want me to speak out about sin. Give me the words You want me to say and give me the courage and strength to trust and obey Your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

If you feel convicted to speak out about sin, if you’re ready to speak the truth in love . . . here are 10 important things to do in advance:

1. Know the TRUTH. (John 8:31–32)
2. Pray that the Spirit would give you the words to speak. (Jude 1:20)
3. Be patient and willing to listen in every conversation. (Ephesians 4:2)
4. Choose your words wisely and be intentionally humble and kind. (Proverbs 18:21)
5. Think about your body language and the tone of your voice. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
6. Admit when you’re wrong and ask for forgiveness. (Ephesians 4:32)
7. Keep it simple – Let your “yes” be yes, and your “no” be no. (James 5:12)
8. Leave the results to God. (Psalm 62:5)

May the Lord bless you and guide you and give you courage as you prayerfully speak out about sin.

We would love to pray for you.
You can leave your prayer requests here…

and even take a few minutes to pray over the list left by our friends.

Never Miss an Update

Leave your email address and I’ll send you a short email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to alert you to each new devotion. Plus you’ll receive a copy of 30 Ways to Bless Your Marriage and Keep the Spark Burning

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi” and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Thanks again for visiting! Don’t forget to check out the links below to find additional posts that will bless you…

Sharing is caring!