In the book of John, chapter 20, Jesus makes Himself known to His disciples after His death, burial and now resurrection.
To me, a key scripture seldom discussed is verse 23, where He states, "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
Many call this one of the hard teachings of Jesus, but in reality it is not. Forgiving another person's sins should be an easy task for those of us who have been forgiven much.
Jesus provided forgiveness for us, and as a result we definitely need to learn to forgive.
Matthew 6:15 states, "But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
If we cannot forgive, we will not be forgiven — that is as cut and dried as it can be.
So how do we retain someone's sins?
By not making someone aware of sin in their lives, we do not give them the opportunity to seek forgiveness; therefore, we are retaining their sins.
As a Christian, we should be committed to living and teaching an example each and every day. Our first priority in the morning as a part of our morning devotion should be to ask God to search our hearts and bring out everything in our lives that would hinder someone else.
We have no excuse to not witness to others, and to even lovingly correct a brother or sister in a fashion of brokenness on our part.
It is not a joyful thing to make a fellow believer aware of something that is wrong in their life. However, let others say when you are in error and be willing to learn from it.
Every day forces us to make judgments. The devil has done a good job of telling us to not judge — so good that we will be silent and allow our neighbors, friends, even family members, to head right on to hell's gates without us once opening our mouths in love to warn them and head them away from that awful place.
We need to be broken enough to realize that Godly judgment from us is designed not to tear down, but to bring life.
If we do our part, then judgment unto salvation, or condemnation, will be issued by God Himself.
Ananias and Sapphira knew the truth of who Christ was. Still, they tried to deceive God. Peter gave them the opportunity for repentance, but they refused.
Ananias and Sapphira died. Peter did not retain their sins; he gave opportunity to them. Their blood is on their own head.
If Peter had not confronted, or judged, them, and made the effort, their blood would be on his head.
Will you retain another's sin by being afraid of how they may perceive you? Or do you love them enough to take that risk that they might be forgiven?
You and I have a choice: forgive or retain. Which will it be?
Pray about it.
The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Forgive sins or retain them — it's your choice