Sin

GOD,
Why do I sometimes feel like sin is such an offensive word? I can talk about crimes like theft or murder; I can calculate statistics about adultery, unwed mothers, and divorce; I can trivialize greed, selfishness and lust--but to call anything sin makes me uncomfortable. It implies the violation of an object, absolute standard of behavior, and if I'm honest, I feel like that kind of standard is an infringement on my rights. I know my reaction displays a terrible misunderstanding of sin and an underestimation of you, God. If a doctor were to correctly diagnose a fatal disease in my body, I would not accuse him of intruding on my freedom; rather, I would be grateful because he could treat me. The bible teaches that sin is a disease of the soul that will destroy my life if I do not treat it. God, your standards of behavior are like preventive medicine for my soul; your commandments are not meant to limit my freedom but to curtail the disease of sin. When I understand sin in this way, Lord, I am thankful that you care so deeply for my soul.

*** If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. I JOHN 1:9 ***