In today's gathering, we explored the concept of sin and how we often categorize it into "big" and "small" sins. We began with a light-hearted text poll, asking which minor infractions people considered worse, such as speeding or telling an innocent lie. This exercise highlighted our natural tendency to compare and rank sins, much like we compare prices or features when shopping. However, this mindset can lead us to underestimate the significance of what we perceive as "small" sins.
I shared a personal story from my youth, illustrating how we often rationalize our actions by comparing them to worse offenses. This story set the stage for a deeper discussion on how God views sin. We examined Matthew 5, where Jesus teaches that anger and insults are as serious as murder in God's eyes. This passage reveals that God is concerned with the condition of our hearts, not just our outward actions.
We also looked at James 2:10, which states that breaking even one law makes us guilty of breaking all of them. This challenges the notion that small sins are insignificant. Instead, it emphasizes that all sin separates us from God, highlighting our need for Jesus' redemptive work on the cross.
The sermon concluded with practical steps for addressing sin in our lives. We were encouraged to pray for God to reveal areas where we have become numb to sin and to avoid imposing our personal convictions on others. The analogy of a virus, like Ebola, illustrated how even small sins can have a significant impact, but the blood of Jesus offers healing and restoration.
