In Greek, the word used for sin means missing the mark. I have mixed feelings about that. On the one hand, it makes it easier to engage in holy conversations when we begin by saying that God has desires for our conduct and character and when we shoot at and then miss the mark, we sin. That flows nicely in conversation. Talking about sin that way has no hint of a judgmental attitude. Christians take it on the chin enough with accusations of insensitivity and being judgmental. So, talking about sin as missing the mark is a highly accessible starting point for conversation.
On the other hand, I am keenly aware of the intense cost of sin. Missing the mark is not just an "oops, I guess I messed up...sorry!" As if we forgot to start the dishwasher. Missing the mark displeases God. The effect of missing the mark is substantial. God came to this earth in the flesh to deal with the problem of missing the mark. God went to great lengths to make sure that when we missed the mark, we would not be eternally affected by the consequences. Jesus suffered and died and was resurrected because of sin. So, missing the mark is serious. Jesus came to deal with these very issues.
Talk about sin. Talk about it as missing the ideal for our lives. But don't lose sight of the substantial weight sin and the great price Jesus paid to set us free from the guilt of sin.
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It can be so easy to be consumed by sin.Not living in sin,but the sins that you committed before giving your life to Christ.we need to forgive others, and what can be more difficult is forgiving yourself.I have often"missed the mark" but Jesus made the slam dunk!!
I will praise His name all the days of my life!!
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