“Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.”

Is this verse encouraging us to celebrate when someone gets caught in their sin? Of course not. As a matter of fact, we should be brokenhearted when sin hurts or destroys someone else. The implication here is that those who avoid sin and live righteous lives find great joy and gladness in the freedom from the guilt, anxiety, and stress that accompany a life of sin. They live with peace in their spirit, knowing that sin does not have a grip on them. Scripture encourages us to pray for those who are struggling with sin and, when possible, to help lead them away from it and rescue them from a life of bondage. As followers of Christ, we find no joy in Satan having any victories in our world today. All of Satan’s work and the consequences of sin bring destruction to another beautiful part of God’s creation. As God hates that destruction, so should we. It has fallen out of favor to say that we should “love the sinner but hate the sin.” Yet it is true. We often hesitate to say those words because people struggling with sin don’t always know how to separate their battle with sin from the unique, supernatural creation God made them to be. Therefore, we treat them with compassion and kindness because we recognize and see them for who they can become with a life set free, embraced, and hidden in the person of Jesus. Today, love and pray for those who wrestle with sin, and be grateful for your freedom in Christ. #BeTheEdge

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1:15 (NIV)