Sin – Lesser and Severe

Venial and Mortal Sin

The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults (USCCA) explains them this way: “Venial sin is a departure from the moral order in a less serious matter. It does not break our friendship with God but injures it. Mortal sin is the knowing and willful violation of God’s law in a serious matter. We commit mortal sin when we consciously and freely do something God prohibits.”

We do not need to prepare ourselves to enter the confessional or reconciliation box or room, make a list of all we did wrong for the day, and ask ourselves why we did it. Venial sins are said to be less severe but could lead to much more serious sins called Mortal sins. Evangelical Christians do not have that serious and less severe sin division. Sin is forgivable or unforgivable; it is still missing the mark and does not entirely separate us from the love of God.

God is full of love, mercy, and grace. Sometimes, we cross the line without acknowledging that weakens our connection to that love and grace. God is merciful to forgive our sins but never to offend the Holy Spirit within us. It is unforgivable. How can you be forgiven? It is between you and God and not for us to know it. David, “a man after God’s own heart,” asked God to help him, was repentant when he did wrong, and loved the Lord with all his heart. Still, David displeased the Almighty God for his adultery with Bath Sheba and his murder of Uriah; this sin is not minor; he has to face the consequences.  

However, the enemy sees little victory when God’s people are on guard (mindfulness). When we acknowledge the existence of God in our lives, God’s force and His field of protection and guidance are more than enough to be shielded and not be shaken; no one can be against us. The crown of victory is on our side. Any sin is against God’s delight. Confess and be baptized by the Holy Spirit, and you will feel a new creation in you; when you do not feel it, something is missing, and you should know it.

God is all in all.