Articles
Things Not to Do When We Sin
Our goal should be to not sin (Romans 6:1-2; 1 John 2:1). Sin should not be the pattern of our lives (1 John 3:6, 9). How do we respond when we sin even though we are striving not to sin? Our response when we sin is very important. We can respond in a way which leads to salvation or we can respond in a way which leads to condemnation. Let’s consider some things we should not do when we sin.
First, we need to resist the temptation to deny we have done wrong when we have sinned. 1 John 1:8-10 says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (NKJV). Denying we have sinned is not deceiving God and often does not deceive others but it can be a way of deceiving ourselves. Confessing or acknowledging our sin is the path to forgiveness rather than seeking to hide our sins. Proverbs 28:13 says, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (NKJV). It is a common temptation mankind succumbs to to not take responsibility for our sins. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, rather than taking responsibility for their actions wanted to blame someone else (Genesis 3:12-13). When Saul spared Agag and the best of the Amalekites’ livestock, instead of accepting responsibility he tried to blame the people for his failure to obey God (1 Samuel 15:14-15). Let’s resist the urge to deny we have done wrong or blame others for our actions when we have sinned against God! Let’s confess or acknowledge our sins so we can obtain forgiveness and the blessings which come with such (Psalm 32:1-5)!
Second, when we sin we need to avoid responding with worldly sorrow. 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 says, “For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter” (NKJV). Worldly sorrow would be the type of sorrow that is focused on oneself or on the temporal consequences of sin. Such sorrow does not lead to repentance. Godly sorrow is more focused on how our sin has affected God and our relationship with God. Such sorrow leads us to truly change and repent. Repentance can lead to salvation so let’s make sure we have godly sorrow rather than worldly sorrow over our sin.
Third, when we sin we need to avoid remaining in a state of guilt and shame. When we sin, we are guilty and feelings of guilt are appropriate. When we sin, we have done something shameful and feelings of shame are appropriate (Romans 6:21). Not being ashamed of sinful conduct is a sign of a hardened heart (Jeremiah 6:15; 8:12; Philippians 3:19). God has made it possible for us not to have to remain in a guilty condition. God has made it possible for us to be made, “holy, blameless, and above reproach in His sight” (Colossians 2:19-23, NKJV). When a person remains in a state of guilt and shame over sin, the life is almost drained from them (Psalm 32:3-4). Instead of staying in that condition, we need to avail ourselves of the forgiveness God has made available to all men (Titus 2:11). God’s word teaches the non-Christian can have all his past sins forgiven by hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Romans 10:10; 6:3-4; Acts 22:16). God’s word teaches the Christian can have his sins forgiven by repenting, confessing those sins, and praying to God (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9). If we are carrying around the weight of guilt and shame, we can be set free from it by being forgiven and cleansed from our sins by the blood of Jesus.
