Grieving Over Sin
Do You Blush or Feel Shame Over Sin?
The prophet Jeremiah lived among people who had become insensitive toward sin. Through the prophet God declared, “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD” (Jer. 6:15). We too, live in a generation that is insensitive toward sin and wickedness. Like those in Jeremiah’s time most do not even blush at the immorality and ungodliness around them. In fact, there are many, “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” (Rom. 1:32).
Now, the people of God, regardless of the acceptance of evil around them, should always sorrow concerning sin and the shortcomings it brings. Jeremiah was one who wept concerning the wickedness of his generation and the punishment that they would face. In Jer. 9:1-6, Jeremiah fled into the wilderness, far away from his people because of such corruption which made life unbearable. He wept because they were adulterers, treacherous men, deceiving their brother and neighbors, filled with lies, trading evil for evil, and had forgotten the Lord. This sounds much like our society who no longer hold sanctity in marriage, who let lies prevail in the land, where evil is traded for evil and where many do not know God. Jeremiah cried out, “But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears . . .” (Jer. 13:17). But, what is your attitude toward wickedness? Are you like Jeremiah who sorrowed over these things? Is your heart pained at the evil around you? Do you blush at vulgarity and immodesty, or does it not bother you?
The people of God should always be grieved over sin. The psalmist declared, “Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.” (Psa. 119:136). Centuries later the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth in which he stated with affliction and anguish of heart, he wrote them with “many tears” (2 Cor. 2:4). It was sin and wickedness of his brethren that brought him to tears. We are not told if Jesus shed a tear while He face the torturous death on the cross. But the Scriptures tell us as He approached the city of Jerusalem shortly before His death He “wept over it” (Lk. 19:41) saying, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” (Matt. 23:37).
Those who love God not only blush at sin, but lament over sin and wickedness. They turn from it and seek forgiveness through repentance and baptism (Acts 3:19; 22:16). They then strive to live faithfully and turn others from unrighteousness (Matt. 5:13-16).