1. How have you frequently heard this verse used in Christian circles? Consider example from sermons, Bible studies, blogs, and your own personal use of the verse.
I have been in small groups within my Church that have often seen other people who are involved in repeated acts of sin, yet our small group has often turned away from getting Involved in helping this person in sin. My small group has referred to this scripture on more than one occasion as the reason of not addressing another members’ sin. While I did not necessarily agree with this belief I chose to go along with it. By choosing to go along with this belief it began to become reality in my life, and I began to believe it more. The culture we now live in has a tendency to promote accountability and responsibility.
2. How should this verse be properly understood according to the author of The Most Misused Verses in the Bible?
When I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and am allowing God’s spirit to work within me, I do not approach another persons’ sin with pride or hypocritical judgment. I am going to help my fellow Christian out of love and compassion. I will feel compelled to reach out to this fellow Christian to help him and by doing so I may save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. When I go to my fellow Christian in this matter I am not judging him as the scripture above indicates, therefore, I am not going to be judged by God.
3. Based on Bargerhuff’s conclusion, how does this verse provide hope, encouragement, or support to the modern reader?
First we have to remember that all scripture is God breathed and that it never contradicts itself. We can take this scripture and all other related scripture and put it into context. This verse gives us hope because we have scripture to turn that says we are created in the image of God and therefore should help our fellow Christians. We do not use “do