The more we try to minimize our sin, the more our inabilities are put on full display and the more hopeless we should feel. The simplest solution, however, is to simply admit that we are not a good person, that we are, in fact, very much evil, which ironically is where true hope begins.

“Sins of omission” refers to a sin committed by failing to do something that you should do, while “sins of commission” are sins committed by actively doing something wrong; essentially, a sin of omission is a failure to act, while a sin of commission is an active harmful action.

Omission—This means not taking action when you should, like not helping someone in need or failing to speak up against injustice.  Saying, “I’m going to pray for you” alone, is not good enough. Especially when you have the ability and the resources to ease their pain.

Commission—This refers to actively performing a wrong action, like lying, stealing, or pulling a chair out from someone knowing that they will fall and possibly get hurt.

If you notice carefully, they are equally wrong. Which is why our Lord and Savior condemns them both. Yes, it is easy for me to condemn the person who drinks, gets drunk and stays out all night. But what if I stay home, get drunk and avoid being a parent or husband? Does that make me a better person? Many would say yes, “at least you are not in the streets.”

In James 1:12-15, God does not make a distinction between a minor and a major sin like the world does. There are no big sins and little sins, but rather there are sins. Any sin in our lives, if not repented of and washed away by the blood of Jesus, will keep us from the Heavenly reward (1 John 1:7-10).

When we understand the desperation and futility of our plight, we will stop looking to ourselves for help. When we no longer hope to find any goodness within ourselves, we can finally accept that ALL goodness comes from something (or, better yet, someone outside of us), which is God.

When we deny our ability and ingenuity to bring healing, we will instead look to the Scriptures and Christ, which is where our real and actual help comes from.

No such thing as little sins, Kendall Lankford, Jan 18