What If a Person Has Committed a Terrible Sin?

Should I Still Accept Them? A Biblical Perspective

This question is difficult, honest, and deeply human. When someone has committed a terrible sin—something shocking, painful, or deeply harmful—it can feel almost impossible to talk about acceptance without feeling like justice, wisdom, or safety are being ignored. Many people wrestle with this tension: How do I love someone without excusing what they’ve done? Does acceptance mean pretending the sin wasn’t serious? Where does grace end and accountability begin?

Scripture does not avoid these questions. Instead, it offers a clear, compassionate framework rooted in truth, justice, repentance, and grace. The Bible teaches that no one is perfect, that sin has real consequences, and that Jesus died so all could be accepted by God—not because sin is small, but because God’s mercy is great.

Understanding Biblical Acceptance

Biblical acceptance is not the same as approval, denial, or minimizing harm. Acceptance means recognizing the value of a person while still acknowledging the seriousness of sin.

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8

God did not wait for humanity to become innocent before offering grace. Acceptance flows from God’s character, not from human deserving.

At the same time, Scripture never treats sin lightly.

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.” — Romans 6:23

Grace is costly. It required the cross.

No One Is Without Sin

Before answering how we should treat someone who has committed a terrible sin, Scripture asks us to remember something foundational:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23

“All” includes:

• The visible sinner

• The hidden sinner

• The respected and the rejected

• Those whose sins are public and those whose sins are private

Jesus Himself addressed this when people were eager to condemn others.

“He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone first.” — John 8:7

This does not mean all sins have equal consequences or impact. It does mean no one stands before God on moral superiority.

Jesus’ Pattern: Acceptance Without Excusing Sin

The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1–11)

This passage perfectly holds together grace and truth.

Jesus:

• Protected the woman from condemnation

• Refused to shame her

• Did not deny her sin

• Called her to change

“Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

Jesus accepted her person, not her behavior.

King David

David committed adultery and arranged a murder—grave sins with lasting consequences. Yet when David repented, God forgave him.

“A broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.” — Psalm 51:17

David’s forgiveness did not erase consequences, but it restored relationship.

The Apostle Paul

Paul persecuted Christians and approved of their deaths.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” — 1 Timothy 1:15

If God could redeem Paul, no sin is beyond the reach of grace.

Should I Accept Someone Who Has Done Something Terrible?

Biblically, yes—accept them as a person made in God’s image.

But acceptance must be wise, truthful, and safe.

Here are important distinctions Scripture helps us make:

1. Acceptance Is Not Denial

Accepting someone does not mean pretending harm did not happen.

“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32

Truth is part of love.

2. Acceptance Is Not the Absence of Consequences

God forgives, but consequences often remain.

“Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” — Galatians 6:7

Forgiveness does not remove accountability, legal responsibility, or boundaries.

3. Acceptance Is Not Immediate Trust

Trust is rebuilt over time, through repentance and changed behavior.

“Bear fruits worthy of repentance.” — Luke 3:8

Wisdom allows space for growth without naivety.

Why Acceptance Still Matters

Rejecting someone entirely because of their worst act contradicts the gospel.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1

Jesus did not die only for “acceptable” sins. He died for all sin.

If acceptance depended on moral perfection, no one would stand.

How Jesus’ Death Changes Everything

The cross answers the question of whether people who have done terrible things can be accepted by God.

“He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree.” — 1 Peter 2:24

Jesus absorbed the full weight of sin—not minimizing it, but paying for it.

This means:

• No sin is too great for grace

• No person is beyond redemption

• Acceptance is offered through repentance and faith

“The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” — John 6:37

Practical Advice for Accepting Someone Biblically

1 Hold truth and compassion together

2 Set boundaries where safety is needed

3 Encourage repentance, not denial

4 Pray for discernment, not judgment

5 Leave ultimate judgment to God

“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” — Romans 12:19

A Heart Check for Ourselves

Sometimes resistance to acceptance reveals unresolved fear or pride.

Ask:

• Am I reacting from hurt or from truth?

• Am I asking God for wisdom or assuming His role?

• Do I believe grace applies only to others, or also to me?

Conclusion

No one is perfect. Every person carries sin they could never undo on their own. That is why Jesus came—not to excuse sin, but to redeem sinners.

Acceptance does not erase accountability.

Grace does not deny truth.

Love does not celebrate sin—but it never abandons the sinner.

Jesus died so that all could be accepted by God, not because sin is small, but because His mercy is greater.

Open-ended question to reflect on:

If God has shown you mercy in your own brokenness, how might He be inviting you to reflect that same grace—wisely, truthfully, and compassionately—toward others who need redemption too?