ARE SOME SINS WORSE THAN OTHERS?
1 Minute Devotional On Sins
Are some sins on a sliding scale? Are some sins worse than others? Let’s be honest, there is a big difference between stealing a pack of gum and murdering someone. Nevertheless, stealing and murdering are both sins that separate us from God.
James 2:10 says it like this: “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.”
I think there are two things we have to consider – present consequences and eternal consequences. Even though Jesus has the ability to forgive all of our sins – it doesn’t always mean that our present consequences don’t happen. So the present consequence for stealing a pack of gum may be minimal while the present consequence for killing someone is much worse. If I were to drop a little rock in a pond versus a big rock, the bigger rock will have a much longer lasting effect BUT there is still a ripple from each of them. Thankfully, we follow a Messiah who calms the storm, brings peace, and has the ability to cease the ripples.
James 2:13 goes on to say, “There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.”
Scriptures To Consider
James 2:10-13 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Luke 12:48b: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.”
The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.”
When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”
Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”