When people are steeped deep into sin we are to pray for them right? But if the sin continues, it is our responsibility before God to warn them. The way of the world would be to just shrug your shoulders and say, “Oh, well, that’s on them, who is it hurting?” This subject of sin lies heavy on the hearts of believers because we know better. We are never to condemn a sinner, but to expose the sin.
A few weeks ago it was revealed to me that a friend’s younger daughter was involved in a sin of debaurchery. I prayed about warning her, but felt inadequate as how to approach this delicate matter. The young lady is a millennial, so I knew that a text message would be the best means of reaching out.
At last Sunday’s Mass, ” Amazing Grace” was the closing hymn. This was when the Lord instructed me as to how to handle the matter.
The author of the song “Amazing Grace,” (John Newton) was one of the worst sinners. He was captain of a slave ship and we can only imagine what scenarios took place on those long voyages, and the sin that was on that man’s heart. It was through the grace of God that in his transformation, he wrote “Amazing Grace.” This hymn transcends many religions and can be heard at funerals and church services. As I sang the song, tears filled my eyes for this girl, and I knew what I had to do.
After Mass, Mike and I went home and had breakfast. The thought of this young woman consumed me, so I could not help but to think that she may have sold her soul to the Devil. I talked it over with Mike and he advised me to leave it alone. Under normal circumstances, I follow the wise counsel of my husband, but this was different. I prayed more, seeking confirmation from God, then I opened my Bible, and this is the verse the Lord gave me:
Ezekiel 3:18 When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood.
I knew that this was from God and I followed with a simple text message: “Amazing Grace read the words to the song.” A few minutes later came a rude and disrespectful reply. I responded, “I was being obedient to the Lord, you will never hear from me again.” Ten minutes later came another response telling me that God is strong in her life and to mind my own business. I did not respond because my work was done, as she had been warned. The rest is between her and God. I continue to intercede on her behalf, and know that one day she will have a testimony like the one of John Newton. John Newton was thirty-nine years-old when he received his real calling. For the next forty-three years of his life he preached the Gospel of Christ.
All we need to do is follow the Ten Commandments, written by the hand of God: nothing has changed with Him.
My Prayer:
Dear Lord, you know the heart of a lost soul, I beg you to send your Hound of Heaven to liberate those who are deep into sin. It is only through Your amazing grace that these persons can change. You are the Maker and Finisher of lost souls, so bring them to the foot of your cross, and surround them with people who will convict them in a loving manner. Dear Jesus, save their souls from the pit of the abyss. Amen
