Understanding Sin in Our Lives

Tonight's discussion, albeit brief, revolves around a significant three-letter word: sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace.. I want to explore its presence in our lives. Is there sin in your life? Does it align you with what some religionists might label a sinner? Are you actively sinning?

I've been a Christian for about twenty years and serve as a pastor. My daily routine involves studying the word, and yet, I find myself sinning, likely on a daily basis, perhaps even more frequently. Sin isn't exclusive to believers or non-believers; everyone sins. The Pope sins, your reverence sins—even though they might pretend otherwise. This inclination persists, even among Christians, even amongst those devoted to Jesus.

Why Do We Obsess Over Sin?

Why do we focus so much on sin? Why does it dominate discussions in church and conversation among friends? Often, when a friend errs, we tend to label them as sinful. But let me pose a question: Did Jesus pay for sin? If so, when did he do it, and to what extent did he pay for sin? Was it for all sin, or just for the sins we feel remorseful about and apologize for? Does forgiveness operate on a quid pro quo basis, where each sin demands its own repentance and forgiveness?

This was the source of Martin Luther's frustration when he served as a Catholic priest. He thought he had to address each individual sin meticulously, worrying about the consequences of overlooking one. This frustration led him to embrace the concept that Jesus paid for sin, and we are saved by grace.

Shifting Perspectives: From Sin to Grace

According to scripture, there are only two commandments: believe and love. Failure to believe and love could theoretically be considered sin. Yet, we tend to focus on sins—our sins, our neighbors' sins, and the sins we perceive in others. We confide in our pastors or bishops and attend confession, striving to address sin.

But if sin was paid for, it's concluded, right? If all sin was settled, then we are free from its burden. This realization should not permit reckless sinning. Instead, recognizing that our wrongdoings are covered should evoke gratitude for the one who paid for them. By ceasing to obsess over both our sins and others', we can shift our focus to faith in the one who redeemed us from sin.

A New Focus: Grace Over Sin

When we move our focus from sin to the redeemer who paid for it, our inclination towards wrongdoing diminishes. As long as we concentrate on the deeds we should avoid, those inclinations persist. It's much like instructing someone not to think of the Eiffel Tower, which inevitably brings it to mind.

Constantly dwelling on sin keeps it alive in our consciousness. However, when we direct our attention to the one who has already addressed sin—past, present, and future—our minds gradually release the fixation on sin. In this mindset, there's no worry because we trust it's already taken care of.