It Takes One to Know One

It Takes One to Know One


You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things.
Romans 2:1 New Living Translation

One thing that gives me the creeps about sin is that I can be involved in it and sometimes point the finger at others for doing the same things. Maybe this is possible because when I think of sin, I usually think big. Sin has to be extreme in its expression of greed, hate, theft, backstabbing, gossip, lust, or murder. But the truth is that sin does not need to be expansive and newsworthy; it can be subtle. So subtle in fact that I may be in the act at almost any moment and not know it. Yes, I can and do sin any time. Sometimes I sin while I am in church, at work, or even while watching television. But I know for sure that sin is creeping up on me when I am angry at others for their behavior. When I see someone else’s sin and I begin pointing it out; my anger is usually not inspired by God. My violent reaction to the sin of others is because sometimes I am guilty of it too. I can see their sin so easily because I’ve done it, or am doing it. I believe it is true when people say that it takes one to know one. As one who is well acquainted with his sins, I am keenly aware of the intricacies involved. Sometimes I see it in the way a person responds, or it is in the way they carry themselves. I can see it because I’ve done it.

How do you respond to the sins of others? Do you dispense the truth with a large measure of grace, or are you overly critical and cynical? Maybe the next time you are keenly aware of someone’s failure, also take the time to see your own. Then, when you are fully aware of your sin and you have asked for forgiveness, see to the needs of others. You know, Jesus said the same thing in regards to sin correction. He said that we should take the log out of our own eye before trying to remove a speck of sawdust from someone else’s eye. Do you think that a healthy account of your own sin will affect the way you decide to minister to others?