How To Speak Out About Sin by Sharing the Truth

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I've been challenged to speak out about sin. But how? How do we confront sin without division and anger? Join us to talk about confronting sin with the truth...

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.

I've been challenged to speak out about sin. But how? How do we confront sin without division and anger? Join us to talk about confronting sin with the truth...

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.

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11 Comments

  1. Dear Deb,
    Thank you for your faithfulness to all of us who read your devotionals! I have been reading Counting My Blessing for a few years now. I love your 5 minute New Testament devotions as well as all of the others you post each week! Want you to know that your commitment to this has truly been a blessing and I have been able to share them with others as well! Know that God is using you in a great way. His Word NEVER returns void❤️. Praying for you????

    1. Oh, Donna, thank you! It always blesses my heart to know that someone is being encouraged by our little community here. Thank you for taking the time to let us know. May the Lord be with you and bless you as you SEEK a closer walk with Him.

  2. Deb,

    Thank you for this reminder of how to speak the truth. Unfortunately there are those who are hard to speak to and won’t listen to reason. It is either their way or no way. I love these truths that you speak to us in your posts. You are such a blessing to us all. Your wisdom and guidance is truly what I NEED. Your knowledge and love shines through. Thank you!!

    1. I understand, Sue. It’s true. Some would rather scream opinions rather than discuss facts and truth. I’m praying that the Lord will open hearts and minds so that we might have honest conversation and share God’s loving will for us all. Thanks as always for your kind encouragement. Blessings!

  3. Amen, Deb! With God’s help and guidance, we can speak His truths with love to others.
    Have a great weekend! (I probably won’t be around much next week as my daughter, SIL, and the girls are coming for spring break – yes, I’m excited!)

    1. Thank you, Martha! Have a wonderful week with the girls! It sounds like so much fun! Blessings!

  4. Kathy Francescon says:

    AMEN! AMEN! Thank You Deb, for speaking out about this! The “silence” of all the renowned spiritual leaders that do have a voice, is so concerning to me! I am so thankful to know that Tony Evans is being a true Warrior for God! We cannot stay silent any longer! I have been so burdened about all the sin, that no one calls sin anymore! Thank You Deb! Thank You for speaking God’s Truth! Psalm 119:136
    Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not Thy Law.
    Please pray for me that I will extend in compassion and grace the Word and Truth of God to those I am able to reach in the tiny circle of my life! I pray that all the nationally known ministers, will stand up and speak out! We can’t be just hearers only, we must also be doers! Bless You Deb, for being an insample to the flock! And bless all those ladies with the heart felt comments full of love and devotion to God and this blog! I am so thankful to be a part of this wonderful sisterhood! Oh Father God, here I am, send me!

    1. Beautifully said, Kathy!! Beautifully said!!

    2. Thanks for your encouraging input. I’m joining you in your prayer for our leaders and for personal strength. Blessings and hugs!

  5. Ana Cordova says:

    Hi Deb
    Once again a great topic on speaking the truth when sinning. I think this one really hit home since I find it difficult to speak the truth about faith and more so sin to others. At times, I have to be careful when sending prayers to friends and family members as they don’t always are accepting. More so when speaking about sin. I will pray to God and the Holy Spirit to enlighten me when it is necessary to speak to someone about sinning so I say the right thing. Thank you your words of inspiration so that I continue to be free of sin with his grace, peace, courage, love, and mercy.
    Have a wonderful blessed day!????

    1. Thank you, as always, for your kind encouragement, Ana! I am challenging myself. I want to have the wisdom to know when to speak the truth and God’s guidance to tell me what to say. It’s hard when so many are simply sharing strong opinions harshly. Unfortunately, no one’s heart is changed through heated exchanges. I’m joining you in praying for the Holy Spirit to enlighten and strengthen to do the Lord’s will. God bless you and have a great weekend.