2 Peter 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.

“I am not an animal!” Good quote, used at least three times in movies, The Elephant Man, A man Called Horse and the original Planet of the Apes. I have to tell you that there are times when I think about some of the disgusting behaviors of dogs and I would scream the same words if accused.

While Peter is referring to those who had the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, knowledge is not the same as having placed your faith in Christ. What I might have been in a previous life did act like an animal, once I accepted Jesus Christ as Lord, I became a new creature, not an animal, a child of God.

Too often men will use this verse to utter railing accusations against a brother or sister who has been caught in a sin, as if it were possible to turn a child of God back into a dog. It is to their shame that they use bible verses to punish and abuse a brother or sister who need mercy and grace far more than they need judgment.

The truth about being a sinner saved by grace is that our actions do not change our right of adoption. It affects our relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, but in no way changes our title. We grieve sin, in ourselves and our brethren, but this is meant to instill a mourning process, not judgment.

Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Sin can destroy the dog but can only deceive a child of God.