Photo credit: CARRIE MAE WEEMS
It's easy to categorize sins, isn't it? We tend to spotlight certain offenses, often in others, while dismissing those that feel less severe in our own lives. We might recoil from the "big" sins, yet overlook the subtle ones that slowly erode our connection with God. But here's the stark truth: all sin creates a separation from Christ. There are no degrees of distance; we're either reconciled or we're not.
Colossians 1:21-23 NIV [21] Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. [22] But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— [23] if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
We can deceive ourselves, focusing on avoiding the glaring sins while ignoring the insidious ones creeping into our hearts. However, every transgression requires confession, every sinful tendency demands repentance. We can't simply point fingers, believing that a f of "goodness" secures our relationship with God. Scripture reminds us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
Romans 3:21-24 NIV [21] But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. [22] This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus (emphasis mine).
We excel at identifying sins in others, while conveniently overlooking our own. And too often, we place the blame for the church's shortcomings solely on leaders, forgetting that we, the individuals, are the church. Therefore, the responsibility to address sin begins with each of us.
We tend to ignore the very sins we ourselves commit. Here are a few that often slip under the radar:
Selfishness/Self-Righteousness: Like the Pharisees, we can be quick to exalt ourselves, seeking validation for our "good deeds." But Christ sees our hearts, our motivations. If we need others to applaud our righteousness, we've missed the point.
Luke 18:9-14 NIV [9] To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: [10] “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ [13] “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ [14] “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will
True humility acknowledges our need for God's mercy.
Misplaced Patriotism: While love for our country isn't inherently wrong, we must not conflate it with our faith. Our allegiance is first and foremost to Christ, whose kingdom transcends earthly borders. We are citizens of heaven, united with believers everywhere.
Galatians 3:26-29 NIV [26] So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, [27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Fear/Worry: Jesus repeatedly instructs us not to worry. Yet, we often succumb to anxiety, revealing a lack of trust in God's sovereignty. Faith requires us to surrender our fears, remembering that perfect love casts out fear.
1 John 4:16-18 NIV [16] And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. [17] This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. [18] There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV [4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 1:21-23 NIV [21] Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. [22] But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— [23] if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
We can deceive ourselves, focusing on avoiding the glaring sins while ignoring the insidious ones creeping into our hearts. However, every transgression requires confession, every sinful tendency demands repentance. We can't simply point fingers, believing that a f of "goodness" secures our relationship with God. Scripture reminds us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
Romans 3:21-24 NIV [21] But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. [22] This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus (emphasis mine).
We excel at identifying sins in others, while conveniently overlooking our own. And too often, we place the blame for the church's shortcomings solely on leaders, forgetting that we, the individuals, are the church. Therefore, the responsibility to address sin begins with each of us.
We tend to ignore the very sins we ourselves commit. Here are a few that often slip under the radar:
Selfishness/Self-Righteousness: Like the Pharisees, we can be quick to exalt ourselves, seeking validation for our "good deeds." But Christ sees our hearts, our motivations. If we need others to applaud our righteousness, we've missed the point.
Luke 18:9-14 NIV [9] To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: [10] “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ [13] “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ [14] “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will
True humility acknowledges our need for God's mercy.
Misplaced Patriotism: While love for our country isn't inherently wrong, we must not conflate it with our faith. Our allegiance is first and foremost to Christ, whose kingdom transcends earthly borders. We are citizens of heaven, united with believers everywhere.
Galatians 3:26-29 NIV [26] So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, [27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Fear/Worry: Jesus repeatedly instructs us not to worry. Yet, we often succumb to anxiety, revealing a lack of trust in God's sovereignty. Faith requires us to surrender our fears, remembering that perfect love casts out fear.
1 John 4:16-18 NIV [16] And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. [17] This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. [18] There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Philippians 4:4-7 NIV [4] Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Pride: We acknowledge pride as a sin, yet we often fail to recognize its subtle manifestations: refusing forgiveness, insisting on being right, clinging to our own way. We must remember the grace we've received and extend it to others.
Matthew 5:3-10 NIV [3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4] Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. [10] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Colossians 4:2-6 NIV [2] Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. [3] And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. [4] Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. [5] Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. [6] Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Gluttony/Coveting: In our consumer-driven society, we can easily fall into the trap of accumulating possessions, seeking validation in material things. We must examine our hearts. Are we seeking to impress God or others?
1 Timothy 6:9-10 NIV [9] Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Gossip: We often indulge in talking about others, covering up judgment with a facade of concern. This is a subtle but destructive sin. We must speak with grace, remembering that we are all sinners in need of mercy.
Matthew 7:3-5 NIV[3] “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [4] How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Galatians 6:1 NIV Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
Hatred: Jesus equates hatred with murder in the heart.
Matthew 5:21-22 NIV [21] “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ [22] But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Hatred often stems from a lack of understanding. We must fight hatred with love, remembering that perfect love drives out fear.
1 John 4:16-18 NIV [16] And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. [17] This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. [18] There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love (emphasis mine).
Judgment: We are quick to judge others, forgetting our own imperfections. Yes accountability is necessary, but condemnation is not. We must extend grace, remembering that we are all equal before God.
Matthew 7:1-5 NIV [1] “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. [2] For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. [3] “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [4] How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove
True humility, acknowledging our own weaknesses, is the key to overcoming these sins. We are all sinners, saved by grace through faith. Let us strive to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and walk in humility, extending the same grace we have received.
Matthew 5:3-10 NIV [3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4] Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. [10] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Colossians 4:2-6 NIV [2] Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. [3] And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. [4] Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. [5] Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. [6] Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Gluttony/Coveting: In our consumer-driven society, we can easily fall into the trap of accumulating possessions, seeking validation in material things. We must examine our hearts. Are we seeking to impress God or others?
1 Timothy 6:9-10 NIV [9] Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Gossip: We often indulge in talking about others, covering up judgment with a facade of concern. This is a subtle but destructive sin. We must speak with grace, remembering that we are all sinners in need of mercy.
Matthew 7:3-5 NIV[3] “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [4] How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Galatians 6:1 NIV Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
Hatred: Jesus equates hatred with murder in the heart.
Matthew 5:21-22 NIV [21] “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ [22] But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Hatred often stems from a lack of understanding. We must fight hatred with love, remembering that perfect love drives out fear.
1 John 4:16-18 NIV [16] And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. [17] This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. [18] There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love (emphasis mine).
Judgment: We are quick to judge others, forgetting our own imperfections. Yes accountability is necessary, but condemnation is not. We must extend grace, remembering that we are all equal before God.
Matthew 7:1-5 NIV [1] “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. [2] For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. [3] “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [4] How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove
True humility, acknowledging our own weaknesses, is the key to overcoming these sins. We are all sinners, saved by grace through faith. Let us strive to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and walk in humility, extending the same grace we have received.
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