What is sin, really?
Wrong acts are real. Under them, sin is life curved toward self instead of toward God and others.
Murder, lust, theft, and deceit are sins. A list of those acts does not explain why we keep producing them.
Jesus goes to the heart. Paul talks about the flesh. The direction of fallen nature is inward. Love moves life toward God and people.
Instead of only asking what to stop, ask what inside is producing the behavior — and what the Spirit wants to grow instead.
Verses
- Mark 7:20-23 — What comes from the heart defiles.
- Romans 7:14-25 — The inner war.
- Galatians 5:16-26 — Flesh versus Spirit.
- Matthew 22:37-40 — Love God and neighbor.
A next step. Name the act — then name the inward curve under it. Invite the Spirit there.