they are put under oath and dare not testify.
Ever heard of the phrase, "a partner in crime"?
A partner in crime is someone who shares in someone else's sin . . . that can happen in two ways. We can participate in the sin with the first person, or we can help cover up or ignore the sin after the fact.
The root of the Hebrew word that is in the original documents has to do with giving testimony to something that's being covered up. The same word is used in the context of an ointment that gives off an aroma that is difficult to conceal.
The accomplice, or partner in crime shares in the thief’s sin and doesn’t give up the deed even when he hears the victim cursing the thief. The point here is that the person who is an accomplice to sin is every bit as bad as the person initiating the sin. We can’t run with people intent on committing sin and not be one of them, and not share in their guilt. In fact, we will even go so far as to help conceal their crime.
What I took from the proverb was that we are partners in crime, if we hear about a sin and don't say anything about it. If we take no action, we are an accomplice. I believe the Bible tells us that the Christian, when they are aware of sin in the congregation or they perceive that there has been a sin committed, must speak up, preferably to the sinner first, and not hold their peace, lest they be an accomplice to the sin.
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work. II John 1:10-11It really IS our business. We must help a brother or sister who is heading the wrong way by speaking to them in the Biblically correct manner. In Matthew 18 we find these instructions:
If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, then you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church....."If we say nothing, we are a partner in crime. How many people, young and old, have had their faith in Christ shaken or destroyed, because a sinner in the congregation was allowed to continue, and Christians stood by, saying nothing? We must not be accomplices, or partners in crime. We must stand for the truth.
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
Woo Weee! That's a tough one Snoodles!! It's really hard to point out the needle in someone else's eye when there is a log in ours! That's why we have to search our own life and heart before we try to talk to someone else. And it's really hard to go against the flow in church, or anywhere else for that matter. But, I've made it a point for several years now, to NEVER add to negative comments or bashing of other Christians. I try very hard to defend the person being hurt, and not allow someone with a holier than thou attitude to belittle them or crush their spirit. I hope I've made a difference in those situations. I've been truthful, but kind. I guess that's it in a nutshell...
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