Share in salvation
by Annie Duarte
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Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure (1 Timothy 5:22).
Read 1 Timothy 5:17–25
The phrase ‘share in the sins of others’ really jumped out to me. How could I share in others’ sins? Is it not sin that separates us from God and from one another?
Unfortunately, sin has a compounding effect. Sin multiplies and has a domino effect. Hurt people hurt people. The sin of one person or group of people ripples out to hurt others, who, in turn, fall into more sin because of their wounds. Satan and his henchmen have a hay day when they can trap even one person into sin because they know that more sin and destruction will follow. We share in the sin of others when we gossip, bear false witness, conspire, enable unhealthy behaviours, and perpetuate unhealthy generational cycles.
How can we break the cycles of sin? What can stop the multiplication of sin in its tracks? For people living without the hope of Christ, this reality can feel crushing. But you have the hope of Jesus and the comfort of the Holy Spirit to be your constant companions. What’s more, just as sin and its destruction can multiply exponentially, so can hope. When you carry the gospel into the sin-marred relationships and places of the world, you give hope a chance to thrive and spread. Just as you have the ability to share in the sin of others, you also have the opportunity to share in the salvation of others. You get to determine how and where you will participate. This may look like resisting gossip in the workplace or setting healthy boundaries so you don’t enable sinful behaviour. This may look like bringing God’s peace into tense conversations or inviting a friend to church. Make a point to take part in the salvation and joy of others, and not their sin. You are mightily enabled by God’s Spirit to do so!
Father, give me the grace to resist the temptation to share in the sins of others. Let me share in their life and salvation in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Annie Duarte is a wife, mum, worship leader and preschool Bible teacher. She and her husband serve in ministry together in the United States. Annie loves seeing God’s word come alive to people of all ages.
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