August 21, 2021
Bible Verse
“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) 1 John 1:8-10
John and his daughter Emily carried two bags of groceries back to the car. As they were driving out of the parking lot, John noticed Emily had a candy bar in her pants' pocket. "Where'd you get that? John asked. Seeing that she was caught, Emily mumbled, "From the store." While Emily witnessed the quick u-turn back to the store, she tried to be dismissive saying, "Dad, you are making this into way too big of a deal!"
Has your child ever been dismissive about a sin? 1 John 1:8-10 shows that when we deny our sin, we not only lie to ourselves but we also break our relationship with God. We can help them see that regardless of the sin they need to repent.
1. Define what sin is (but also teach about forgiveness!)
It’s important for us to teach our children what sin is. 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. Assure your child that we all make mistakes and sin. Tell them the good news that Jesus died to save us from our sins. And encourage them to confess their sins to God and assure them that God will forgive their sins because he is faithful and just (1 John 1:9).
2. Describe how God wants us to live
Kids are concrete thinkers. So, it's helpful to give examples of how God wants us to live. Jesus said, “If you love me you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). What does God command? An easy and essential teaching tool is God’s Ten Commandments. However, don’t just list off the commandments. Instead talk with your child about how keeping each commandment ensures we maintain the best possible relationship with God and with our neighbors. Talk to your children about making good choices based on the Ten Commandments.
3. Display what it means to be a Christian
Show your children what it looks like to live as someone who has truly been forgiven. 1 John 3:4-6 says, “No one who lives in Him, keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him.” Talk with your child about how being in relationship with God and talking to him in prayer can help them make better choices. Let them know that God has a plan for them and he calls all believers to serve others, to love their neighbors, and to do what’s right (and that includes kids!).
Our kids need to recognize that every sin is a big deal. But we should never stop there. We must share the life-giving truth that no matter how big or small our sins, if we confess our sin, God is faithful to forgive. And because we are forgiven we can live lives according to his commands and in fulfillment of his plan!
Want to dig deeper? Check out Family Fire's article "Effective Discipline: Echoing the Gospel Rhythm of Grace"
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 »
FAQs
In James 1:12-15, God does not make a distinction between a minor and a major sin like the world does. 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).
What is an example of a small sin? ›
The examples of “small,” “acceptable,” or “overlookable” sins could be endless: an inward bad attitude regarding a job or your spouse, sarcastic words, a judgmental thought, a rolling of the eyes, the silent treatment, a “secret” lustful thought, or just simple impatience.
Are all sins equal in God's eyes? ›
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.
Is sin really a big deal? ›
Sin hurts our relationship with God. When we sin, it's like breaking the rules in a relationship with someone else: it hurts your relationship with them and makes them angry at you. God is no different!
What are considered 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.
Is small sin still a sin? ›
All sin is equally wrong and sinful. Sin equally condemns the sinner, because even the smallest of sins is an expression of rebellion against the Holy God. When we help students understand what sin actually is, then we've helped them understand that sin, at its core, is rebellion against God's sovereign goodness.
What are the 5 basic sins? ›
First enumerated by Pope Gregory I (the Great) in the 6th century and elaborated in the 13th century by St. Thomas Aquinas, they are (1) vainglory, or pride, (2) greed, or covetousness, (3) lust, or inordinate or illicit sexual desire, (4) envy, (5) gluttony, which is usually understood to include drunkenness, (6) ...
What are two examples of sin? ›
- Perjuring (willfully making a false statement) – 1Tim 1:9-10.
- Procrastination – Prov 13:4, 15:19.
- Profanity – 1Tim 1:9-10, Eph 4:29.
- Quenching the Holy Spirit – Eph 4:30.
- Rebellion to authority – 1Sam 15:23.
- Resentment – Eph 4:31.
But this does not mean that all sins are equally heinous before God. The Bible is clear they are not. Jesus, for example, said that he who handed him over to Pilate, was guilty of a “greater sin” than Pilate himself (John 19:10-11). Moreover, Jesus drew distinctions between a “speck” and a “plank” in one's eye (Matt.
What sin is unforgivable in God's eyes? ›
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.
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.
What is the #1 worst sin? ›
Pride (superbia), also known as hubris (from Ancient Greek ὕβρις) or futility. 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.
What does sin do to your life? ›
Sin also affects our relationship with God, turning the love that belongs to Him alone and pointing it inward toward ourselves. We reject Him in favor of anyone and anything else. But the ultimate consequence of sin, this rejection of God and rebellion against Him, is death.
What does God call sin? ›
The biblical definition of sin is found in 1 John 3:4: “Sin is the transgression of the law” (King James Version). To sin is to transgress, or break, the law of God.
What is the least severe sin? ›
Lust is generally thought to be the least serious capital sin.
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 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 consider a sin? ›
Well, on page one of the Bible, we learn that every human is an image of God, a sacred being who represents the Creator and is worthy of respect. And so in this way of seeing the world, sin is a failure to love God and others by not treating them with the honor they deserve.
