“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and dosent do it, it is sin for them.”
– James 4:17 NIV
The letter from James, found in the New Testament, is overflowing with practical wisdom for our daily lives. James was the brother of Jesus, and his writings are full of teachings similar to how Jesus taught in the Gospels.
James 4:17 provides us with a very simple definition of sin. James says that sin is when we know what we ought to do and we do not do it. It’s when we have knowledge of what’s right, but we deliberately choose not to do it.
There are many ways that we learn what the right thing to do is. When we read Scripture, we are constantly learning how God wants us to live, and what He wants us to do with our lives. We also have the Holy Spirit within us who guides and teaches us.
We have no excuse for not knowing the right thing to do in almost every situation—because God has told us how He’s designed things to work and how we should act. So when we decide not to live according to God’s ways, we are sinning.
But the beauty of the gospel is that when we sin against God, we can still come to Him and confess our sins. God’s Word says that when we confess our sins to God, He is faithful to forgive us—and He doesn’t count our sins against us.
Take some time to think about an area where you know you’re not following God’s best for your life. Confess your sin to God and ask Him for forgiveness. Then, walk in the assurance that God loves you, has forgiven you, and provided a way for you to walk in the newness of life. Thank Him for His faithfulness today!
SHARE YOUR FAITH!
Is there something God has placed on your heart that you’ve been putting off? Don’t wait any longer — delayed obedience is still disobedience. But the good news is, it’s not too late to respond. Start today and walk in obedience!
Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal your next move — and when He does, take that step boldly. Trust that God is already ahead of you, working things out.
LET US PRAY!
God, forgive us of the times when we felt Your calling and did not act. Convict us of an area in our life where we are not following You. Thank You for the gift of second chances and for being faithful. Guide us as we live to better serve and love others.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
