How can we apply 1 John 5:17 to daily decision-making and actions? Setting the Verse in Front of Us “All wrongdoing is sin, yet there is sin that does not lead to death.” (1 John 5:17) Core Truths We Need to Grasp • Every act, attitude, or omission that violates God’s standard is sin—no excuses, no gray area. • Some sins bring swift, terminal judgment (Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 11:30); others do not, yet all offend a holy God. • Because all sin matters, every choice must be weighed against God’s revealed will. Why This Matters in Everyday Decisions • Stops the “big vs. little sin” game. If it’s wrongdoing, avoid it. (James 2:10) • Fuels a holy caution: “Is this option tainted by wrongdoing in any form?” • Promotes humble dependence on forgiveness: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…” (1 John 1:9) • Guards the conscience from gradual hardening. (Hebrews 3:13) Practical Checklist Before I Act or Decide 1. Examine Motive: Does this spring from love for God and neighbor? (Matthew 22:37-40) 2. Compare with Scripture: Is it clearly forbidden or commanded? (Psalm 119:105) 3. Ask the Omission Question: If I neglect this good, is that sin? (James 4:17) 4. Consider Influence: Will this encourage someone else to sin? (Romans 14:13) 5. Assess the Witness Factor: Does it reflect Christ’s character? (Colossians 3:17) Living the Verse in Relationships • Speak truth, even when silence feels easier—because all deceit is sin. (Ephesians 4:25) • Refuse gossip; steer conversations toward edification. (Ephesians 4:29) • Forgive quickly; lingering bitterness is wrongdoing. (Ephesians 4:31-32) • Keep promises, honoring your word as sacred. (Matthew 5:37) Workplace and Finance Touchpoints • Integrity over profit: dishonest gain equals wrongdoing. (Proverbs 11:1) • Excellence as worship: laziness sins against the Lord. (Colossians 3:23) • Generous stewardship: hoarded resources can become wrongdoing when God prompts giving. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Keeping Short Accounts with God • Start each day: “Search me, O God… see if there is any offensive way in me.” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Immediate confession beats end-of-day piles. • Celebrate grace, not guilt: “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” (Romans 5:20) Power to Obey • Walk by the Spirit: He produces the desire and strength to say no to sin. (Galatians 5:16) • Memorize and meditate on Scripture: it fortifies inner resolve. (Psalm 119:11) • Stay in fellowship: mutual exhortation keeps hearts soft. (Hebrews 10:24-25) Bottom Line Treat every decision—large or small—as a chance to honor God. All wrongdoing is sin; none of it is trivial. Evaluate choices through that lens, confess quickly when you fall, and lean on the Spirit’s power to walk in righteousness. |
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