A Small Sin is a Big Deal
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
21 You know our ancestors were told, “Do not murder” and “A murderer must be brought to trial.” 22 But I promise you if you are angry with someone, you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell. 23 So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God. 25 Before you are dragged into court, make friends with the person who has accused you of doing wrong. If you don't, you will be handed over to the judge and then to the officer who will put you in jail. 26 I promise you will not get out until you have paid the last cent you owe. 27 You know the commandment which says, “Be faithful in marriage.” 28 But I tell you if you look at another woman and want her, you are already unfaithful in your thoughts.
Matthew 5:21-28
Memory Verse
1 John 1:8-10
8 If we say we have not sinned, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth isn't in our hearts. 9 But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make God a liar, and his message isn't in our hearts.
Have you ever told a “little white lie” or stolen something small, like candy, without paying for it? Maybe you’ve tried to convince your parents that a big sin is “no big deal.”
It may seem harmless, but Jesus is clear that all sin is a big deal. 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. It hurts us and those around us, and it separates us from God.
The good news is that Jesus forgives us of all our sins. But that doesn't mean we don't have to deal with the effects of our sin. When we hurt others, we need to ask for their forgiveness. No matter how small the sin, Jesus wants us to help make it right.
Prayer
Father in heaven, please forgive all my sins and help me to remember that all my sins are a big deal. Help me to ask for forgiveness, fix what I’ve done wrong, tell the truth, and learn from my mistakes. Forgive my angry thoughts and help me make things right with those I’ve hurt. Amen.Related Resources
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.