In this thought-provoking blog post, we delve into the realm of sins that often go unnoticed by many. We shed light on some lesser-known examples of sins that people may not be aware of, encouraging readers to reflect on their actions and moral compass. From the subtle acts of envy and pride to the more hidden sins like spiritual sloth or indifference, this article aims to broaden our understanding of sin and its impact on our lives.
While many are aware of the more commonly recognized sins, several unrecognized ones often go unnoticed. These sins may not be as overt or obvious, but they can still significantly impact our lives and relationships. Individuals need to reflect on their actions and attitudes, seeking to identify and rectify these unrecognized sins to lead a more virtuous and fulfilling life. By doing so, we can heed the words of Proverbs 4:23, which says, “We should guard our heart with all diligence because from out of it flows the issues of life”, allowing our souls to be purified through self-reflection and divine guidance.
Some examples of sins that people may not be aware of are:
- Gossip: Gossip is the act of spreading rumors, secrets, or negative information about others, whether true or false, with the intention of harming their reputation or causing division. Gossip is a sin because it violates God’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves and to speak the truth in love. The Bible says, “A gossip betrays confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret” (Proverbs 11:13) and “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).
- Pride: Pride is the act of thinking too highly of ourselves or too lowly of others, whether in terms of our abilities, achievements, possessions, or status. Pride is a sin because it opposes God’s sovereignty and grace and leads to arrogance, self-righteousness, and contempt. The Bible says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18) and “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6).
- Envy: Envy is the act of resenting or coveting what others have, whether in terms of their relationships, talents, opportunities, or blessings. Envy is a sin because it violates God’s command to be content with what we have and to rejoice with those who rejoice. The Bible says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” (Proverbs 14:30) and “Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor” (Exodus 20:17).
- Laziness: Laziness is the act of being idle, slothful, or indifferent to our responsibilities, duties, or opportunities. Laziness is a sin because it wastes the time, talents, and resources that God has given us for His glory and our good. The Bible says, “The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (Proverbs 13:4) and “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23).
- Anger: Anger is the act of feeling or expressing strong displeasure, irritation, or hostility toward someone or something. Anger is not always a sin, as there is such a thing as righteous anger that is justified by God’s justice and holiness. However, anger can become a sin when it is uncontrolled, unjustified, or harmful. The Bible says, “In your anger, do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Ephesians 4:26) and “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:22).
These are some examples of sins that people may not be aware of. However, there may be other sins that we overlook or ignore in our lives. Therefore, we need to examine ourselves regularly and ask God to search our hearts and reveal any hidden sins that we may have. The Bible says, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23–24).
