Enabling another person’s sin is a serious issue that all Christians must guard against. The Bible offers clear guidance on how to identify and avoid partaking in the sins of others. At over 9,000 words, this article will provide an in-depth look at what Scripture teaches about enabling sin, how to spot potential areas of stumbling, and practical ways to steer clear of participating in or approving the wrongdoing of others.
What Does It Mean to Enable Sin?
To “enable” means to make something possible or easy for someone else. When we enable sin, we help or encourage others to engage in actions, attitudes, or thoughts that go against God’s commands. This could involve actively promoting and joining in the sinful behavior. But it can also include more subtle forms of enabling like looking the other way, making excuses for the sin, allowing it to continue unchallenged, or failing to encourage repentance (1 Corinthians 5:2, 1 Timothy 5:22).
Although the term “enabling” is not expressly used, the Bible clearly speaks against assisting others in their sin. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea” (Mark 9:42). “The wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience” (Colossians 3:6) and those who “give approval to those who practice them” (Romans 1:32).
As Christians, we have a responsibility not only to avoid sin ourselves but also to help our brothers and sisters in Christ steer clear of temptations and walk faithfully with God. We must be careful that through our actions, words or attitudes we do not embolden others to do what God forbids. Charles Spurgeon said, “We cannot prevent birds from flying over our heads, but we can keep them from building nests in our hair.” While we cannot control what temptations others face, we must be wary of helping provide opportunities for sin or showing it permissiveness.
When Are We at Risk of Enabling Sinful Behavior?
There are many ways we can stumble into enabling the sins of others if we are not careful and discerning. Here are some of the most common:
- Tolerating sin: When we are aware of sinful habits, relationships or activities happening among fellow believers but brush it off as not a big deal, make light of it as a joke or remain silent, we are condoning the sin through our lack of response. “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Our inaction communicates that we approve or at least will not challenge what we know to be wrong, emboldening further transgression.
- Avoiding confrontation: Scripture calls us to graciously confront brothers or sisters who are caught in sin and gently urge them back to obedience and repentance. When we avoid these caring conversations for fear of stirring conflict or tension, we allow the sin to continue unchecked. “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you” (Matthew 18:15). Turning a blind eye helps the sinful pattern persist.
- Excusing or rationalizing sin: When someone comes to us confessing sin and seeking counsel, it can be tempting to lessen the gravity of the offense by explaining it away or offering reassurance it’s not that bad. Or we sometimes wrongly advise people to continue in sin to avoid negative earthly consequences of repentance. This communicates that the sin is acceptable and gives permission to persist in disobedience to God. We must call it what it is, pointing people to God’s standards.
- Facilitating sin: At times, we can enable sin in very direct ways by actively helping someone engage in ungodly behavior. For example, buying a friend alcohol knowing they struggle with drunkenness or letting neighbors use your internet to access pornography. Any action that facilitates or provides opportunity for further sinful choices should be avoided.
- Partaking in sin: When we personally join in or adopt the sinful practices of others around us, we enable further ungodliness by modeling inappropriate behavior and showing our own approval. Paul confronts the Corinthians for accepting sexual immorality in their fellowship rather than mourning and removing it (1 Corinthians 5:2).
- Staying in unhealthy relationships: Choosing to remain closely tied to friends or romantic partners who lead us into sin or celebrate sinful lifestyles will inevitably pull us from obedience to God. “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
In general, anytime we minimize, joke about, facilitiate, ignore or join in sinful choices we make it easier for others to rationalize and persist in their disobedience to God. Our actions, attitudes and tolerance of sin communicates our own low view of sin’s gravity before a holy God.
How to Avoid Enabling Sin
Scripture offers practical guidance to help us avoid the pitfalls of enabling sin in ourselves and our Christian community. Here are 7 biblical strategies:
- Take sin seriously. Refuse to brush aside, laugh at or make light of sin. “Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright” (Proverbs 14:9).
- Hold fast to righteous standards. Using God’s word as our guide, cling to His wise and holy standards for conduct. Do not waver or compromise God’s truth to accommodate others’ sinful choices. “My foot stands on level ground; in the great congregation I will bless the Lord” (Psalm 26:12).
- Watch carefully for temptation. Be alert and self-controlled, prayerfully assessing situations that could open the door to sin. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41).
- Flee tempting situations. Make intentional choices to avoid people, places or environments where you know you’re likely to be enticed into sin. “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18).
- Encourage repentance. If others come to you admitting sin struggles, point them gently but firmly to God’s grace and help them take steps of repentance. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
- Confront sin wisely. When you observe patterns of sin in others, go to them privately and offer accountability, urging them to turn from temptation. “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault” (Matthew 18:15).
- Limit/stop ungodly relationships. Be willing to pull away from friendships or partnerships leading you into sin. “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Pursuing personal holiness, accountability and obedience to God’s word are essential to avoiding the pitfalls of enabling sin. Scripture urges us to take deliberate and proactive steps steering very clear of sin and warning others away from dangerous temptations.
Guarding Against Enabling Sin at Church
Within the church community, we have special responsibility to help other believers walk faithfully with God and grow in Christ-likeness. There are unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to enabling sin among fellow Christians. Here are some wise guidelines from God’s word on maintaining holiness and accountability within the Body of Christ.
Model Godly Conduct
We must be vigilant to set an example of obedience, godly speech and Christ-exalting lives before our brothers and sisters. Our own conduct will either promote holiness or enable sinful compromise. Paul urges fellow believers to “be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). It is hypocrisy and damages our witness if we indulge in sin or cowardly avoid confronting it in others. Our lives must back up our words.
Celebrate Repentance
When fellow believers confess struggles and turn from sin, we must be quick to celebrate their repentance and point them to God’s grace and forgiveness. The father welcomed back the prodigal son with joy and honor, not shame or scolding (Luke 15:11-32). This encourages deeper life change and deters enabling by refusing to downplay sin.
Promote Accountability
Urge fellow Christians to get plugged into a small group Bible study, recovery group or discipleship relationships where they can engage in candid confession, ask tough questions and receive support staying on the narrow path. “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). Accountability deters enabling.
Keep it Redemptive
When confronting sin, do so gently and with the ultimate goal being repentance and restoration of the individual. “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1). Nasty communication or punishment enables sin by breeding secrecy and shame.
Remove Flagrant Sin
In extreme cases of open, unrepentant patterns of serious sin, Scripture instructs us to remove such people from fellowship for the protection and purity of the church. “Remove the wicked man from among you” (1 Corinthians 5:13). Refusing to address flagrant sin would enable its spread and signal approval.
Maintaining high ethical standards, promote accountability and offering redemption are essential to averting the enabling of sin in the church. Scripture gives clear instructions on upholding purity in Christ’s Bride.
Overcoming Our Own Enabling Tendencies
In examining this issue, we must also look inward. Why do we sometimes slip into enabling patterns even when we desire to live faithfully? What heart motives and attitudes lead us into this trap?
Fear of Man
Confronting others and calling them to account for sin is difficult and uncomfortable. We fear negative reactions or strained relationships. But Jesus says pleasing God takes priority over the approval of men (Luke 6:26). Courage overcomes fear of enabling sin.
Desire to be Liked
Our tendency to crave friendships and avoid friction tempts us to ignore issues instead of challenging sin. Yet, better to kindly confront than to enable sin through silence. “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses” (Proverbs 27:6).
False View of Love
We can convince ourselves that excusing or overlooking wrongdoing is loving and gracious. But real love compels us to urge others to obey and honor God above all. “My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19). Tough love avoids enabling.
Minimizing Sin
When we excuse sin as no big deal, we demonstrate a low view of sin’s offense before God. We must recover the biblical view that all sin grieves a holy God, damages us and warrants Christ’s sacrifice. Tolerating sin excuses it.
Seeking Earthly Harmony
We can prioritize peace and comfort in relationships over calling others to righteousness. But temporary relational friction is worth enduring to urge friends toward Christ-likeness. “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).
Exalting pleasing God over pleasing man, biblical love, honoring holiness and concern for eternal impact overcome tendencies to enable sin in others and ourselves. Scripture points to the heart change needed.
Cultivating Discernment and Courage
Two essential qualities will equip us to stand firm against enabling sin and lead others in the way of righteousness.
Spiritual Discernment
We must prayerfully develop keen spiritual discernment so we can faithfully distinguish between right and wrong, wise and unwise actions both in our own lives and among fellow believers. “Concerning this I prayed to the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). Navigating enabling situations requires discernment.
Moral Courage
Armed with wisdom, we also need courage to speak up, set boundaries, confront gently and call fellow Christians to obey Christ – even when it costs us social standing. “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). It takes moral courage to avoid enabling sin.
Seeking the Spirit’s guidance and trusting in God’s strength over our human weakness will grant us greater ability to avoid the pitfalls of enabling. We can find wisdom for hard conversations and courage to stand by truth in love.
The Bible Speaks Clearly on Enabling Sin
Walking in holiness before God includes refusing to enable others in their sin. Scripture gives clear principles and instructions to identify enabling behavior, confront it wisely, set an example of righteousness and call fellow believers to repentance for their good. Although it can be uncomfortable and sometimes disrupt relationships, taking a stand against enabling is essential as followers of Christ.
With the help of the Holy Spirit illuminating God’s word, we gain discernment to see where our actions may directly or indirectly allow sin to persist among our friends, family and church community. And we access God’s power to courageously confront sin for the ultimate purpose of restoration and redemption. Choosing at times to endure others’ anger or disapproval is a small price to pay to call wayward souls back into right relationship with God.
May we as believers encourage one another to resist temptation, reject worldly standards, embrace holiness and point one another to salvation in Jesus Christ. Scripture gives us clear direction for this sacred task.