Your Sin Hurts Others

When temptation comes our way, our first thoughts are about ourselves. Satisfying our wants is at the top of the list.

We do what we do, because we want what we want.

We are not thinking about others, unless we're thinking about how they can meet our needs.

We are not thinking about how our giving in to that temptation is damaging others.

Think about this verse in connection with your temptation:

"My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins" (James 5:19-20).

Think about when you sin and the people that you pull into your sin.

Instead of stopping the gossiper in the church foyer, you join in.

Instead of telling the truth, you encourage the braggart to exaggerate.

Instead of choosing not to watch porn, you encourage those who are abusing those men and women.

Instead of controlling your sexual passions, you pull those who are also struggling further into sin rather than from the fire.

Your sin does not affect you alone.