Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian theological framework, sin is understood as any action, thought, or attitude that falls short of God's perfect standard of holiness. While all sin is ultimately an affront to God, the concept of "little sins" refers to those transgressions that might be perceived as minor or insignificant by human standards. However, Scripture emphasizes that even these seemingly small sins are serious in the eyes of God.Biblical Perspective on Sin The Bible makes it clear that all sin, regardless of its perceived magnitude, separates humanity from God. In James 2:10 , it is written, "Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." This verse underscores the idea that even a single infraction renders one guilty before God, highlighting the gravity of what might be considered "little sins." Examples of Little Sins 1. Idle Words: Jesus warns about the power of words in Matthew 12:36 , saying, "But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." This suggests that even seemingly harmless or idle words are significant in God's eyes. 2. White Lies: The Bible consistently upholds truthfulness as a virtue. Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." Even small, so-called "white lies" are contrary to God's nature of truth. 3. Covetous Thoughts: The Tenth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:17 , instructs, "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." Coveting, often considered a private or internal sin, is nonetheless a violation of God's law. 4. Neglect of Good: James 4:17 states, "Therefore, whoever knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin." This highlights sins of omission, where failing to act righteously is itself sinful. The Deceptive Nature of Little Sins Little sins can be particularly dangerous because they often go unnoticed or are easily rationalized. In Song of Solomon 2:15 , the text metaphorically warns, "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom." This imagery suggests that small, unchecked sins can lead to greater spiritual decay. The Call to Holiness Believers are called to pursue holiness and to be vigilant against all forms of sin. In 1 Peter 1:15-16 , it is written, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness encompasses every aspect of life, urging Christians to be mindful of even the smallest sins. Repentance and Forgiveness The Bible assures believers that forgiveness is available for all sins through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:9 promises, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This assurance encourages believers to seek God's grace and strive for a life that reflects His holiness. Nave's Topical Index Songs 2:15Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. Nave's Topical Index Library "My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ... "My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ... Cups Running Over Bunyan's Dying Sayings. "My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ... Letter xvi. --Hatred of Sin. "If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our ... Out of the Deep of Sin. The Curse Removed Salvation from Sin. Resources What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.orgThe Study of Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org If Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |