THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
It is clear that no one is entirely free from sin, as it is written, “Who can say, ‘I have made my heart clean; I am pure from my sin’?” (Proverbs 20:9). Paul himself expressed, “For I know nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this” (1 Cor. 4:4), indicating that even those deemed righteous acknowledge their shortcomings (Proverbs 18:18). Consequently, one may wonder how, if everyone carries sin and God forbids a sinner from proclaiming His statutes, can anyone speak forth His truth? To address this question, the prophet highlights various forms of sin. He writes, “There is sin unto death” (1 Jn. 5:16), echoing Eli's words: “If someone sins against another man, the mediator can plead for him; but if a man sins against the Lord, who will intercede for him?” (1 Kings 2:25).
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Under the law, certain sins had no remedy and were punishable by death, whereas others were easily addressed. In the New Testament, Christ teaches: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone; if he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. If he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church, but if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a Gentile and a tax collector” (Matthew 18:15-17).
Further, when Peter inquired about the frequency of forgiveness—“How often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?”—the response was, “Up to seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:21-22), illustrating that repentance is essential for forgiveness to be extended. Consequently, how can anyone be released if they do not acknowledge their wrongdoing or repent? Just as we candidly present our wounds to a doctor seeking healing, we must confront our sins.
The prophet articulates the nature of the sinner: “If you see a thief and are pleased to run with him, and you are partaker with an adulterer; your mouth has uttered evil, and your tongue spreads deceit. Sitting in judgment, you have slandered your brother, and laid a trap for your own mother’s son.” This portrayal of immorality reveals how vice can transform an individual, degrading their inherent dignity. It is crucial to scrutinize this depiction closely; engaging with sin through complacency is detrimental and weakens virtuous resolve. Paul warns that such approval contributes to the cycle of wrongdoing—“They not only do the same but also give hearty approval to those who practice them” (Rom. 1:32).
Even those who commit no wrongdoing may be guilty if they take pleasure in the transgressions of others. While a sinner may offer various justifications such as extreme circumstances or poverty, it is perplexing when one endorses their sinful actions. By doing so, one risks closing the channels of repentance and consolation. As onlookers to sin, we can inadvertently dull our sensitivity to our moral standing when we fail to dissent against wrongdoing. If a sinner sees indifference rather than rebuke from those who should guide them, they may think their actions are acceptable, even righteous.
Thus, those who engage in wrongdoing must bring themselves to judgment; similarly, those neglecting to do good must recognize the value of virtue, as readiness to act spurs on righteous behavior. The prophet admonishes one who condones his own sins, urging a robust rebuke. If vice is allowed to flourish unchallenged, how dire the consequences will be! This is especially true among spiritual leaders, who bear an even heavier burden. Why remain indifferent while God’s commands are trampled? Even the heavens are called to take note of such iniquities: “Be astonished, O heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid; be very desolate,” says the Lord (Jeremiah 2:12), lamenting over moral decay. Creation itself mourns for the transgressions of humanity, yet those endowed with reason often fall silent and even participate in sin.
We must acknowledge that God does not seek vengeance nor requires assistance, but desires our active involvement in upholding His decrees. When sin occurs and we fail to voice our dismay or offer reproof, we risk becoming desensitized, making ourselves more vulnerable to transgression. This complacency also hinders the sinner’s path to repentance, establishing a culture of neglect. The prophet specifically mentions those who bear witness to sin but do not act against it, highlighting the gravity of their neglect, as sin—especially of a severe nature—is overlooked.
In its seriousness, the act of adultery is underscored, for it represents a deeper moral corruption. Those who are aware of illicit acts within their congregation must take a stand—“If you know that someone is committing fornication and is partaking in the holy mysteries, inform the minister, for such unworthy hands should not partake.” This sin calls for rejection, for if one is precluded from legitimate participation due to their actions, what penalty awaits the one who violates sacred trust? Covering up another's sin equates to sharing in their guilt, as both are subject to consequences.
Those who witness wrongdoing without intervention not only risk personal culpability but become accomplices to transgression. Judges of the earthly realm punish not only for the crime committed but also hold accountable those who fail to speak out against it. Thus, we must take diligent care in opposing vice, actively working towards the redemption of ourselves and our neighbors. Paul reminds us: “Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being” (1 Cor. 10:24). In seeking the welfare of others, we safeguard our own; therefore, true compassion will not allow one to turn a blind eye to impending moral peril. It is not from a place of mere indifference that we should act but from a sincere desire to protect the sanctity of one another’s souls and bolster the community against the destructiveness of sin.