However, this assumption presupposes that we have rightly defined what sin is in the first place. At its core, sin is not just a set of wrong actions, but a condition of the heart, intertwined with motives, intentions, and the impact it has on others. This complexity is what makes sin a multifaceted issue that requires deeper reflection, taking us beyond mere surface-level behaviours.
Defining Sin: More Than Just Actions
When we think about sin, it is common to focus on clear-cut examples like murder or theft. But, in Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, Jean Valjean steals bread to feed his starving family. Although theft is traditionally considered sinful, the context of Valjean’s suffering challenges us to view his actions with compassion. Similarly, we might be tempted to show leniency towards someone whose faith may waver when lying in a hospital bed experiencing immense pain, or facing a difficult diagnosis.
Scripture, however, reminds us that sin is not merely defined by our actions but also by the underlying motives and intentions. In Exodus 20, when God gave the Ten Commandments, they were not just a list of external “dos and don'ts”. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, exposed this deeper reality, highlighting that even a lustful look is tantamount to adultery (Matthew 5:28). Thus, when evaluating sin, we must examine more than what a person does; we must ask why they do it.
There are five key areas to consider when defining sin from a biblical perspective: moral behaviour, our motives, our intentions, the impact on others, and the perception of our actions. These categories help us move beyond a simplistic view of sin as merely "wrong behaviour" and allow us to explore the deeper ethical and spiritual layers involved.
Moral Righteousness: Sins of Commission and Omission
The Bible defines certain actions, such as murder or theft, as inherently wrong. These are considered sins of commission – acts that a person commits that are explicitly sinful. For example, murder is a sin of commission, but Jesus takes it a step further, equating hatred in one’s heart with murder (Matthew 5:21-22). This suggests that sin includes not just our outward actions but also the internal emotions that fuel them, such as bitterness, envy, or selfish ambition (James 3:14).
On the other hand, sins of omission refer to the failure to do the right thing when the opportunity arises, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17 ESV). Scripture reminds us that we are commanded to encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). If we fail to offer encouragement because of envy, bitterness or for whatever reason, we are guilty of both omission (not doing good) and commission (harbouring sinful emotions). In this way, sin can manifest not just in what we do but in what we fail to do.
Motive: The Heart of the Matter
Motive plays a crucial role in determining whether an action is sinful. In Philippi, Paul describes individuals who were preaching the gospel out of envy and rivalry, hoping to cause him harm (Philippians 1:15-17). Although their message was true, their motive was wrong. Similarly, Proverbs warns us about accepting an invitation from a miser whose heart is not truly with us (Proverbs 23:6-7). Sin, therefore, can reside not only in what we do or say but in the motives of our hearts. While we humans may not always be able to discern another’s motives, God knows and judges the heart.
We recognise what James teaches: judging another person's motives is akin to equating oneself with God, moving from being under the law to acting as a lawgiver (James 4:11-12). As Christians, we are called to examine the “plank” in our own eye before looking for the "speck" in our brother's eye (Matthew 7:3), therefore it is crucial that we focus on actions and words without trying to judge underlying motives. Even when examining our own motives, our hearts can be “deceitful . . . and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:7), making it difficult to discern our true intentions. In such situations, it is helpful to have wise Christian friends who can ask insightful questions to help us uncover the motives of our own hearts (Proverbs 20:5).
Intention: What We Aim to Achieve
Closely related to motive is intention. For example, Judas Iscariot’s role as the disciples’ treasurer appeared noble on the surface, but his true intention was to steal from the collective funds. “He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it” (John 12:6 ESV).
Judas' actions were sinful, even though they appeared outwardly good. A modern analogy would be a husband who buys his wife flowers, not out of love or kindness, but to avoid admitting something wrong he has done. While the gesture seems kind, the true intent is to hide his wrongdoing instead of seeking to confess and repent. Genuine righteousness considers not just the action, but the intention behind it.
The Impact on Others: The Example of Liberty
Another category of sin is the impact our behaviour has on others, even in situations that are morally indifferent, that is, where Scripture grants liberty. In Romans 14 and in 1 Corinthians 10, Paul discusses the issue of eating food offered to idols. Although an idol is “nothing” and eating such food is not inherently sinful, Paul cautions that a weaker believer, seeing this behaviour, might emulate it and violate their own conscience. This can lead to spiritual harm, “And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died” (1 Corinthians 8:11 ESV).
Therefore, while Christians may have the liberty to engage in certain behaviours, such as eating food offered to idols or even drinking alcohol (the specific examples of Romans 14:17), if our actions cause another believer to stumble, we sin against them. Mature Christians are called to exercise their freedoms with care, ensuring that they do not become stumbling-blocks for others. The principle here is that sin can be defined, not only by the act itself but, by the harm it causes to others, especially if it leads them into spiritual destruction (Romans 14:15).
Perception: Avoiding the Appearance of Evil
A final consideration is how our actions are perceived and interpreted by others. Paul exhorts believers to, “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV). The goal is not just to avoid sin but also to avoid actions that could be misinterpreted as sinful, even if they are not. In the New Testament, Paul ensures that the handling of financial funds is overseen by at least two men, not just one, to avoid any suspicion of impropriety (2 Corinthians 8:16-22).
Similarly, Jesus conducted his conversation with the Samaritan woman at a public well, rather than in private, to avoid any suspicion or accusation (John 4). This principle can be seen in the life of the late evangelist Billy Graham, who made it a rule never to be alone with a woman, except his wife, to avoid the possibility of any accusation of wrongdoing. As Christians, it is important not only to do what is right but also to be mindful of how our actions are perceived by others, thus leaving no room for misinterpretation and accusation.
Conclusion: A Deeper Understanding of Sin
As Christians, understanding sin requires much more than simply applying biblical principles to outward actions. We must consider what our motives are, what our intentions reveal, how our behaviour impacts others, and how it is perceived. By asking these deeper questions, we can gain a fuller understanding of sin and walk more faithfully in the light of God’s truth.
