The Degree of Sin

Why do you people deceive yourselves by thinking that sin can be measured? Who can show us the scale for measuring sin or where is the basket used for measuring it? The Bible says that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's standard of perfection. Sin is like the missing of a target. Even if we miss a target by an inch, then we have failed completely.

We sometimes think that murdering is a greater sin than lying and deceiving, or that committing adultery is the greatest sin. But all these are sins against God and against our neighbor. We even go as far as to say that hating our enemies is not a sin because we think it is normal and just to do so. Jesus said we should love our enemies as well as loving our neighbor. Our love for God and for our fellow men must be without any limit, because God's love is limitless for us. His love for us has no end.

Hear what our friend said: "I have not committed murder nor stolen anything from anyone, so I am all right." But I tell you we are as bad as the man called Cain, who is in God's Book. He killed his brother Abel because of jealousy. We are the same as those who go about stealing other people's property. Our thoughts are evil all the time. Our tongues are like fire, destroying our relationship with our neighbors. We speak bad things of others and call the Lord's name in vain. We all need to ask the Lord's forgiveness.

Those who teach others may think that they are pure and holy. They judge those who do all sorts of evil. They condemn those who smoke and drink wine. They think that adulterers have no place in society. Jesus is saying, "Even you teachers are adulterous in heart. You need to be born again by the Spirit of God. You are just like those you judge." We should leave the judging to Jesus alone. Who then can say he has not sinned at all? Not even a single person in the whole world, no matter what their religion or race. We all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. Therefore we all need to come to God in faith and repentance.

Friends, sin will keep you away from God and out of heaven. It does not matter whether your sin is one or many - big or little - God says your sin must be forgiven. Jesus came and gave His life as payment for your sin. He came to save those who are lost in sin. If you are trusting in your own good deeds, He cannot save you. You must trust in Him alone.