Sin & Character
Summary
Endorsements
Concepts
Sin is the result of free will’s selfishness.
Even in a world without a tendency to sin, mankind chose to disobey God (Genesis 3:6). Life by definition must sustain itself; otherwise, it will be dead. Humans, like all animals, naturally would kill others to live (Romans 3:10-12,15): the root of selfish ego (James 3:16). This is why Jesus telling us to sacrifice our own lives is so unique and revolutionary (Matthew 16:25).
Lust & Contentment
Lust makes us feel like we need various pleasures, such as gluttony, greed, and sexual immorality, but God has given us the ability to be content (Philippians 4:11-13). Read more…
Pride & Humility
Our life should not be about fighting for our rights (I Corinthians 9:15,19) but becoming a servant to all (Mark 10:43-45), bearing with the weak (Galatians 6:2). This is because we know we can do nothing good on our own (Isaiah 64:6), and are fully indebted to God in gratitude (I Thessalonians 5:18). Read more…
Hate & Love
Unhealthy disgust becomes resentment and hate. All commandments can be simplified by loving God and others, the 2 greatest commandments (Matthew 22:36-40). Read more…
Depression & Joy
Unhealthy sadness becomes depression, but only through sadness can we be healed (Matthew 5:4; Ecclesiastes 7:3) and find a deep source of joy (Philippians 4:4). Read more…
Anxiety & Peace
Unhealthy fear leads to anxiously worrying, but peace leads to courage that erases all shame and guilt (Philippians 4:6-7).
Wrath & Patience
Unhealthy anger turns into wrath, but patience is bearing with the sins of others (Ephesians 4:2,31).
Laziness & Kindness
Apathy leads to laziness, but healthy ambition is kindness in a compassionate direction (Romans 12:11).
Hypocrisy & Goodness
Everyone thinks they are good (Proverbs 21:2), but that’s because we often hypocritically blind ourselves to our own sin (Matthew 7:5). A “good” person honestly seeks pure righteousness through judgment (John 7:24).
Idolatry & Faithfulness
The first commandment ever is to not follow idols (Exodus 20:3), including non-material sources of worth such as the approval of others (Galatians 1:10). Faithfulness is always trusting in God alone (Hebrews 11:6).
Manipulation & Gentleness
Manipulation is punishing others that don’t do what you want (Matthew 5:41), but gentleness is holding people accountable to their own standards (II Timothy 2:25). Read more…
Weakness & Self-control
The weak can’t do what they want (Romans 15:1), but the self-controlled can do anything God wants them to (I Corinthians 9:25).