Is it a sin?

On our way to the kingdom of heaven, our downright desire is to follow Jesus and to flee sins. Sometimes, it is easy to determine whether something is a sin or not. However, it can be oftentimes challenging. What ultimately define a sin?

First, a lot is packed into the meaning of this very word. Overall, the Bible defines sin as the breaking of God’s law.   « Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness»  1 John 3:4  The scripture several times tells us what is clearly sin: murder, adultery, lying, stealing, etc. « The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery.»  Galatians 5:19. However, whether some acts are sinful or not, can seem not to be directly addressed in the Bible.

Second, when there seems to be no specific scriptural reference, instead of wondering if it is wrong, it can definitely be worth rather checking if it is good. « Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. »  Ephesians 4:29. “What’s wrong with going there?”, “what’s wrong with doing that?” turn to “what’s good with ....?” Despite all that, it can still be challenging to have a clear response.

Third, what if you just directly ask to our closest friend: Jesus? Sometimes, we don’t even need to ask, that God personally brings it up in our inner heart. After all, our objective is to make his glory. That is the point of growing in relationship with God.  « And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him»  Colossians 3:17.

Conclusively speaking, Jesus died on the cross to save us from sin and death. We shouldn’t relent in holding on to Him. He knows our sin and wants to wash us from it and to drown bitter death, in his own blood and wounds.