Big sin? Little sin? When we commit a “big” sin, we know it. When we commit murder, adultery, theft, or something else “big”, we know we have done something wrong. Leaving out the legal side of things, when we commit a “big” sin we have a religious procedure to follow in the aftermath. We know we have done wrong. We know we have to make things right. We confess our sin before God. We repent. We ask for forgiveness from God and those we have wronged. If we can, we make restitution in some way. We try to reconcile our relationship with God, with ourselves, and with the other person or people involved.
The religious process of atonement can lead to the restoring of the relationships that have been damaged or betrayed. We work to rebuilding trust. And in this process there is forgiveness, freedom, and new life.
But what about the “small” sins? The little things day in and day out that betray our highest good and the common good? What about these seemingly negligible habits and weaknesses that are hardly earth-shattering? First, these are harder to identify than “big” sins. That means they are harder to confront and redeem. Yet the combined weight of small sins, even a small sin repeated over and over, can be debilitating like a slow progressive disease. Perhaps so slow and subtle, that we don’t even notice what is going on. Yet these small sins can hold us captive. We can become prisoners to these seemingly small behaviors and choices that are slowly killing us, or at least deadening our spirits.
If we are serious about growing spiritually this Lenten season, this is a time to intentionally examine our lives looking for the “small” sins – those habits, assumptions, and actions that are undermining our best selves and the good of the wider community and world. And then, to atone, to repent, to change direction, and do what we can to make restoration to ourselves, God, and others.
Prayer: We are grateful for the opportunity that Lent provides to seek spiritual growth and freedom. May we have the courage to be honest with ourselves and others and truly seek reconciliation for our sins – large and small. As Jesus forgave ALL sin, so may we. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 