Beth-El Baptist Church

06/22/2008

Greg Tomlinson


What do I do if I am accused of sinning?


There are times when you might be confronted by a friend concerning what they perceive as sin in your life. When such an accusation occurs it is important to know how to react and what to do. Current accusations include ignoring the accusation, becoming defensive and angry, taking it in stride as “that is just the way I am”, and some will evaluate the accusation and learn from it.


  1. What should my primary goal be when confronted?

Proverbs 9:8-9; 13:1; 19:25; 27:5-6 Ecclesiastes 7:5

Psalm 141:5 1 Peter 2:2; 3:16-17

Hebrews 12:6-8 Galatians 6:1-2

Acts 24:16


It is to be taken as the purpose for being confronted the growth and godly character of the one being confronted. It is an opportunity for you to grow as a person and to know that another brother loves you enough to tell you the difficult truths.


  1. What should I do with the information associated with the accusation?

Nehemiah 5:7 Proverbs 25:2

Mark 8:32-33 Titus 1:12-13

Psalm 26:2 Ezra 10:16

1 Corinthians 11:27-29 Acts 17:11

Luke 16:13-15


    The first thing to do when accused of sinning is to evaluate the situation. Is the person right or are they wrong. Do not react nor respond until you have actually evaluated the truth of the matter. You may or may not be in sin. Perhaps the sin is what the other believes is a sin and not necessarily a true sin according to the word of God. The goal is to grow, learn, become wiser in the things of God. Rebuke from a friend that truly loves you is a good way to do so.


  1. What should I do if the accusation is true?

Revelation 3:19 1 Corinthians 10:13

2 Samuel 12:5-13 Psalm 51:1-4

Acts 8:22; 17:30 1 John 1:8-10

Proverbs 15:31-32 Matthew 5:23-24


If you truly engaging in sin, then the only sensible thing to do is to confess it, repent of it, and do the things that God has asked you to do. Part of what needs to be done is to seek to restore the relationship or reconcile with your brethren that you may be one.


  1. What should I do if the accusation is not true?

1 Corinthians 4:1-4; 6:1-8, 12; 10:23-24 1 Corinthians 8:8-13; 10:27-32

Acts 4:18-20 Romans 12:18-19


If the accusation against you is false, then remember that your judge is not your friend but God. With love and compassion for your friend you may need to talk with them on why they thought it was sin. Perhaps it is an area of fault for them but not for you. In this case, abstain from it for the sake of the brother, especially while in their presence. It could also be that they are calling something as being sinful that is a calling from God. It is better to listen to God more than a brother. It is important to be certain that you are following God's explicit commands rather than your own desires.