From Sin-Sniffer to Grace-Giver

What is sin? Since we are no longer under the law, can we still sin? Are the sins listed in the Old Testament still applicable today? As I read Colossians 3 this morning, I find myself thinking about conversations and teachings I have heard over the last few months. Here is my humble conclusion on the matter.

In my life, it doesn’t matter. Does this mean, I’m going to go out and live anyway I want and do whatever I want? Absolutely not.

1. I’m not going to live my life trying to avoid sin. I’m going to live my life becoming more like Jesus. I’m going to live my life listening to His voice and obeying His promptings. I’m going to do what Paul encouraged us to do.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:12-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

2. I’m going to rest in the truth that even when I fail, when I mess up, when I sin, it’s okay because I’m forgiven! God doesn’t remember my sin, so why would I focus on it?

I know this sounds like heresy. I was raised to be a sin-sniffer in my own life and certainly in others. But now God is teaching me to be a grace-giver in my own life and definitely for others. My job is to connect people with the love and goodness of God. The rest is Holy Spirit’s job.

My point this morning is that we should not be so sin conscious but more grace conscious. Our question shouldn’t be “Is this sin?” But rather, “What would God have me do in this situation?” I’m not saying you can’t sin. I’m saying don’t focus on messing up. Focus on being like Jesus!

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