Why are we, the Christian community, so eager to point out people’s sins? Why are we so willing to call sin “sin” when it comes to adultery, addiction, pornography, abortion, theft, {throw in your pet “big” sin here}; yet, we act as though our gossip, pride, prejudice and arrogance are completely acceptable?

Tears stream down my face even as I write this post. My heart breaks, perhaps because I’ve committed a “big” sin. I know the heartache I caused. And I’ve talked with enough people in similar circumstances to know that we all privately carry around our own scarlet letters.

Allow me to be very clear, my beloved Christian community: we do not need your judgment. We do not need you to define our behaviors as sins. We are very, very well aware of our sins. We are very well aware of the heartache we cause ourselves and others.

I beg you to slide off your high horses and step down from your soapboxes long enough to realize that Jesus took every sin upon Himself while on the cross, and with His resurrection, defeated every one. Our job is to love like Jesus. When the adulteress woman was cast down at His feet, He didn’t say, You adulterer! You have sinned. You should be ashamed! No, he came to her defense, didn’t condemn her, and simply said, Go and sin no more.

Why are we so quick to condemn? Why aren’t we coming to people’s defense?

I plead with you to remember that loving people in sin doesn’t equal condoning sin. Those of us who have committed the “big” ones are well aware that you don’t condone our sins. Guess what? We don’t condone them either.

The best thing you can do, dear Christian community, is to offer grace…for it’s grace that soften hearts. It is the kindness of God that leads to repentance (Rom. 2:4), not your condemnation.