Not All Sin Is Equal

People often say “sin is sin” as a way of saying “you’re just as bad as I am” and attempt to lessen their own guilt. This is only half true.

There is no actual verse in the bible which says “Sin is sin” but there are several verses which explain sin and the various punishments, because not all sins are equal.

James 2:10 “For the one who obeys the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” – in other words, all sin is an abomination to God and violates His perfect will because he says not to commit any sin at all.

Consequences matter. I’m sure in God’s eyes is it far, far worse to be a child abuser or child molester than it is to get into a fight at school, work or home, so we had better hope all sin is not created equal, hadn’t we?

1 John 5:17 “All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.”

Jesus taught that there would be degrees of punishment. If you know what is right and don't do it, you'll be punished more than if you don't know what is right and do wrong. Ignorance will not excuse you from punishment, but it may lessen it.

So there are degrees of punishment. There are degrees of guilt. Some sins are worse than others. However - and this is important, so don't miss this - THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD DO WHATEVER YOU WANT JUST BECAUSE THE PUNISHMENT MAY BE LESS FOR YOUR SIN THAN FOR ANOTHER!

Did you get that? I hope so.

1 John 1:8-10 “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives"

I’m not saying you’re going to hell if you hit someone because he called you a name. I just saying you cannot justify what you did by saying “sin is sin” and that by by speaking angrily to you, my sin is just as great as yours. Do you see what I mean?

If a person calls you names or hits you or caused some sort of altercation, you cannot justify your reaction by their actions.

The Jews called Jesus all sorts of bad names, beat him, spit on him and crucified him. But he didn’t do anything to retaliate. As a Christian we are supposed to try to be as much like him as possible.

Matthew 5:38-40 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.

Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

You need to apologize to those you've hurt and ask them to forgive you. And once you've done that, you need to do your personal best to not repeat the things you've done. Learn from your mistakes and as the Lord says, "Go forth and sin no more."

And when you get mad at me for writing all this out for you, remember: Colossians 3:16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts

Blessings - C.A. Bennett