At first glance, the sin of Sloth doesn’t seem all that bad. Most of us who live hurried, busy lives could probably use a little more Sloth to help us slow down. But Sloth isn’t just slowing down or being lazy. According to the scriptures, it’s the combination of two sins that have plagued humanity from the beginning of time: avoidance and apathy. We give into the sin of Sloth when we choose to avoid difficult conversations, choices, or promptings from the Spirit, and we experience apathy as we slowly lose our love for God and for others. But by the grace of God, we can resist Sloth when we practice Patience. When we choose to endure hardship, engage in difficulties, and lean in to discomfort, we dig the roots of Sloth from our hearts and allow the Spirit to turn us into people marked by hopeful patience.
