A Small Sin is a Big Deal (2024)

A Small Sin is a Big Deal (1) A Small Sin is a Big Deal (2)

August 21, 2021

Bible Readings

Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.

Matthew 5:21-28

Memory Verse

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 is not in us.” (NIV)

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Have you ever told a “little white lie” or stolen something small, like candy, without paying for it? Maybe you’ve tried to convince your parents that a big sin is “no big deal.”

It may seem harmless, but Jesus is clear that all sin is a big deal. In Matthew 5: 21-28, Jesus says, “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.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” Jesus is clear that ALL sin is bad. It hurts us and those around us, and it separates us from God.

The good news is that Jesus forgives us of all our sins. But that doesn't mean we don't have to deal with the effects of our sin. When we hurt others, we need to ask for their forgiveness. No matter how small the sin, Jesus wants us to help make it right.

Prayer

Father in heaven, please forgive all my sins and help me to remember that all my sins are a big deal. Help me to ask for forgiveness, fix what I’ve done wrong, tell the truth, and learn from my mistakes. Forgive my angry thoughts and help me make things right with those I’ve hurt. Amen.

A Small Sin is a Big Deal (14) A Small Sin is a Big Deal (15)

Ron VandenBurg

Senior Producer of Children’s Ministry at ReFrame Ministries

Ron VandenBurg joined the ReFrame Ministries team in 2014. He plans and develops projects specifically for the spiritual formation of children. Before coming to ReFrame, Ron taught middle-school for 27 years. Ron completed a M. Ed. degree in Teaching, Learning and Development at Brock University. Ron and Rachel have three fantastic adult children and one grandchild and reside in Ontario.

more posts by Ron VandenBurg »

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A Small Sin is a Big Deal (2024)

FAQs

A Small Sin is a Big Deal? ›

The good news is that Jesus forgives us of all our sins. But that doesn't mean we don't have to deal with the effects of our sin. When we hurt others, we need to ask for their forgiveness. No matter how small the sin, Jesus wants us to help make it right.

What does God say about small sins? ›

Big or small, sin is heinous in God's eyes. “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17). The more we love God and desire to glorify Him, the clearer we will see our sin, and the more we will hate sin as God does (Psalm 26:5, 31:6).

Is there small sin or big sin? ›

In many faiths, there is no small sin because a sin is a sin. In many faiths, there is no small sin because a sin is a sin. However, it is believed among people, that there are 'serious' sins will land the sinner in hell, as against minor sins that can be discountenanced and easily forgiven.

What is a small sin called? ›

According to Catholicism and Lutheranism, a venial sin is a lesser sin that does not result in a complete separation from God and eternal damnation in Hell as an unrepented mortal sin would.

Does the Bible say all sins are equal? ›

All Sin is not the Same

In fact, the Book of Proverbs (6:16-19) identifies seven things that God hates although there is not any punishment proscribed for those. Scripture clearly indicates that God does view sin differently and that He proscribed a different punishment for sin depending upon its severity.

How can little sins lead to bigger sins? ›

As we keep committing small sins, our spiritual conscience will grow numb and our will to resist sin will become weaker. We will slowly get used to sinning and tolerating those sins, even feeling comfortable to sin without any struggle. Then one day when a great temptation comes, we will not be able to withstand it.

What is the biggest sin according to God? ›

One eternal or unforgivable sin (blasphemy against the Holy Spirit), also known as the sin unto death, is specified in several passages of the Synoptic Gospels, including Mark 3:28–29, Matthew 12:31–32, and Luke 12:10, as well as other New Testament passages including Hebrews 6:4–6, Hebrews 10:26–31, and 1 John 5:16.

What is the #1 worst sin? ›

It is considered the original and worst of the seven deadly sins on almost every list, the most demonic. It is also thought to be the source of the other capital sins. Pride is the opposite of humility. Pride has been labeled the mother of all sins and has been deemed the devil's most essential trait.

What sins are unforgivable? ›

So the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, or the unforgivable sin, is the rejection of Christ. Every other sin can be forgiven if you repent of it. But if you reject Jesus Christ, the Bible says, how can you escape if you neglect so.

What is an example of a small sin? ›

Start with a simple definition: sin is the bad stuff we do that makes God sad and separates us from him, often hurting us and other people (See Isaiah 59:1-2; Rom. 3:23; James 4:17). Offer your child examples they can relate to: fighting with a brother or sister, stealing from a friend, or disobeying mom or dad.

Is gossiping a sin? ›

On the one hand, Scripture speaks strongly against gossip. Romans 1:29; 2 Corinthians 12:20 – Both differentiate gossip from slander and condemn it as the result of a depraved mind, unfitting for Christians. 1 Timothy 5:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:11 – Both condemn “busybodies” who “speak about things not proper to mention.”

What is the lazy sin called? ›

laziness and apathy as a sin. In Christianity, Sloth is about a person not wanting to work, because of their lack of motivation. The person will be physically inactive and neglect what God has said. Very often, this will lead to resources being wasted.

Is there big sin and small sin in the Bible? ›

There are no big sins and little sins, but rather there are sins. Any sin in our lives, if not repented of and washed away by the blood Jesus, will keep us from the Heavenly reward (1 John 1:7-10). Let us strive to overcome all sin in our lives; not just the ones that the world thinks are serious.

Does God forgive all sins? ›

You may have felt like your sins are too serious or that you have made the same mistake too many times. But no matter how much we have sinned, we can always repent and be forgiven. Some sins may be easier to correct than others, but Jesus Christ has provided for total forgiveness from all sins. He is eager to forgive.

How did Jesus define sin? ›

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” This scripture is referenced in the Church's Gospel Topics section under Sin, which states: “To commit sin is to willfully disobey God's commandments or to fail to act righteously despite a knowledge of the truth.”

What are some small sins? ›

Offer your child examples they can relate to: fighting with a brother or sister, stealing from a friend, or disobeying mom or dad. Assure your child that we all make mistakes and sin.

What are less serious sins? ›

"One commits venial sin when, in a less serious matter, he does not observe the standard prescribed by the moral law,or when he disobeys the moral law in a grave matter, but without full knowledge or without complete consent." ( C.C.C. #.

What does the Bible say about causing little ones to sin? ›

"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

What are considered sins by God? ›

For the most part, Christians have a broad agreement about what constitutes as “sin.” For example, violence, rage, greed, lust, lying, and theft are all things that Christians almost universally agree are unequivocally wrong.

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