A Small Sin is a Big Deal

August 21, 2021

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.

Matthew 5:21-28

Memory Verse

1 John 1:8-10

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” (NIV)

written by Ron VandenBurg
illustrated by Chad Thompson

Mom and Dad are folding laundry when they hear a loud crash and bang.
Mom says, "What was that??"

In the kitchen, we see the parents in silhouette as they look on. Casey is at the back of the kitchen. It’s a total disaster. The sink is overflowing with soap bubbles. There’s a water hose on the floor still spraying water. The dog with his loose leash is chasing a mouse. The kitchen lamp is swinging. Two birds are flying in the air. The screen door is off its hinges. There is a dog-shaped hole in the screen. There’s a screaming cat on Casey’s head. Things are broken and everything is in shambles.
Casey defends herself, “Mom! Dad! Wait! This really isn’t a big deal! Let me explain."

Print Comic

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

Liz and Friends

What's the Big Deal?

Bible Story

The Story of the Fall

Activity

10 Commandments Bookmark

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.