Tag Archives: sin

December 6
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“So then, if we do not do the good we know we should do, we are guilty of sin.”  (James 4:17, Good News Translation)

You will not find a more simple, direct, or pure definition of sin than what is written in today’s scripture verse.

This definition does not cover all sin, but it does address what we refer to as “sins of omission”: Knowing but not doing.  Following this principle, it might also be said that we sin when we have but do not share what we have with others.

James’ letter is, I think, the most practical book in the New Testament.  It addresses the common issues of our life as disciples of Jesus, and is well worth the 15 minutes or so it would take a slow reader (like myself) to cover its five, short, chapters.

James reminds us that we need not sin.  – Luther

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September 27
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“’In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”  (Ephesians 4:26-27, NIV)

There are some things in life that ought to provoke us to anger.  However, remaining in a perpetual state of anger — even over situations that ought to make us angry — is a bad thing.

For the disciple of Jesus, anger has an expiration date: Sundown.

Deprive the devil of his foothold by turning your anger into a productive plan for good.  Pray to God for wisdom in how to address the situation in question.  Pray for those whose actions have offended your sense of fairness.  Give to God — by sundown — any residual anger in your heart.

Carrying anger past bedtime often means a sleepless night.  Bottling-up anger past its expiration allows it to fester into resentment, and to ferment into rage.

Better to rise to fight at dawn with a rested body; a clear mind; and a renewed spirit.   – Luther

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June 14
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“’Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.'”  (John 9:3, NIV)

As difficult as it may be to face the fact that God allows his creatures to suffer hardship and pain; it would be infinitely more difficult if it were true that God was indifferent to human hardship and pain.

We may not always know the reason why we or others must suffer; and today’s scripture cautions us against drawing conclusions about the reasons behind suffering.  However, we may be confident in knowing that God both cares and is engaged.

The disciple of Jesus has the added benefit of knowing that “all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”  (Romans 8:28)

Do not be discouraged when you encounter hardship or pain — whether in your life of in the life of others.  Remain faithful in all that God has given you to do, and you will experience both grace and peace.   – Luther

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