Hidden Sins: 12 Everyday Offenses You’re Probably Overlooking
In our day-to-day lives, we often focus on avoiding the most well-known sins like lying or stealing, yet we might be unknowingly committing a different set of everyday offenses.
Though less recognized, these hidden sins can still profoundly impact our well-being and the world around us. In this article, we’ll shed light on 12 of these common yet often overlooked, transgressions.
1. Envy and Jealousy
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 14:30.
Envy and jealousy, often overlooked, are sins that can poison relationships. Feeling resentful towards someone else’s success or possessions can damage your own happiness and create tension with others. It’s important to focus on your own path and celebrate the successes of others.
2. Wasting Time
“Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are.” Ephesians 5:11
It is a sin to waste time and hinder productivity and personal growth. We all have a limited amount of time in life, and squandering it on unproductive activities or procrastination can lead to regret and missed opportunities. Value your time and use it wisely.
Don’t worry though! Relaxing from time to time is totally fine too. Some relaxation is actually good and healthy. The problem only happens if we are always lazy, waste our lives, and miss out on God’s will for our lives.
3. Neglecting Gratitude
“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:21.
It is a sin to take things for granted and not practice appreciation and humility. Failing to acknowledge the blessings in your life can lead to dissatisfaction and ingratitude. Cultivate a habit of gratitude to foster positivity and contentment.
4. Gossiping
“Those widows who go around from house to house as busybodies are only learning to be lazy, making their situation even worse by talking too much, gossiping, and speaking things they shouldn’t. They become far too obsessed with empty things that will not bear good fruit.” 1 Timothy 5:13.
It is a sin to gossip and not practice trust and integrity. Spreading rumors or talking negatively about others behind their backs can harm relationships and tarnish your own reputation. Practice discretion and avoid engaging in harmful gossip.
5. Holding Grudges
“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:18.
It is a sin to hold a grudge and not practice forgiveness as it can hinder emotional well-being. Nursing resentment and refusing to forgive others can poison your own heart and hinder personal growth. Learn to forgive and let go of past grievances.
6. Being Judgmental
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2.
Being overly judgmental and not practicing empathy and compassion is a sin. Criticizing and condemning others without understanding their circumstances can harm relationships and breed negativity. Seek to understand before passing judgment.
7. Ignoring the Environment
“God gave us the earth ‘to till and to keep’ in a balanced and respectful way,” Pope Francis has said. “To till too much, to keep too little is to sin.”
Not practicing stewardship and neglecting environmental responsibility is a sin. Failing to take care of the planet and disregarding the impact of your actions on the environment can harm future generations. Practice sustainability and environmental consciousness.
8. Not Honoring Commitments
“Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise, you will be condemned.” James 5:12.
Not honoring commitments or practicing trust and reliability is a sin. Failing to keep promises or obligations can damage your reputation and disrupt relationships. Be true to your word and fulfill your commitments.
9. Succumbing to Anxious Thoughts
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:6-8
Allowing excessive worry, fear, and anxiety to dominate our lives is another often overlooked sin. These emotions can drain our mental and emotional energy, hinder personal growth, and strain relationships.
10. Underpaying or Exploiting Others
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor. Come back tomorrow, and I’ll give it to you—when you already have it with you.” Proverbs 3:27-28.
Underpaying or exploiting employees and workers is a sin that often flies under the radar. This behavior not only harms individuals’ livelihoods but also undermines the principles of fairness and justice.
11. Not Practicing Empathy
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32.
Not actively practicing empathy and failing to show compassion towards others is a sin. A lack of empathy can lead to a lack of understanding and support for those in need, damaging relationships and diminishing the ability to connect with others on a deeper level.
12. Overindulgence
“When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.” – Proverbs 23:1-2.
Indulging too much in food and drinks, or acquiring excessive material possessions is a sin that often flies under the radar. This means going beyond what’s necessary or healthy for us. When we indulge excessively, it can harm both our bodies and spirits. It undermines our ability to control our desires and often leads to unhealthy habits that can negatively impact our overall well-being.
Is Getting Tattoos A Sin?
What does the Bible say about tattoos? Surprisingly, very little.
There’s only one verse in the entire Bible that even mentions tattoos (Leviticus 19:28), and it isn’t as straightforward as it initially appears.
So whether your body is covered in Christian tattoos or you’re considering getting your very first Bible tattoo… If you’re wondering, “Are tattoos a sin?” or “Can we go to Heaven with tattoos?” this post has everything you need to know.
What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos? Are Tattoos a Sin?
Should Christians Judge?
Tired of judgemental Christians? Me too.
But, unfortunately, simply scolding someone online isn’t enough to make all the judgmental haters quit with their biting comments.
Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, the Bible actually says Christians should judge.
Here’s what the Bible says on the matter, why Christians should judge others (at times), and why you probably should too.
Yes, Christians Should Judge. Here’s Why.
7 “Sins” the Bible Never Actually Prohibits
If you grew up in a conservative Christian household (like I did!), you may have learned that some actions weren’t appropriate for Christians.
For example, I was definitely taught that “you don’t smoke, drink, cuss, gamble, or spend time with those who do.” Imagine my surprise, then, when — as an adult — I learned that not all Christians find all of these actions (or others) wrong in the slightest!
No matter your personal preference (and I still prefer not to do most of these things myself), here are 7 things the Bible never actually prohibits as sin.
7 “Sins” the Bible Never Actually Prohibits
So Irritating! These 12 Statements Made By Non-Christians Are Really Offensive
In our diverse world, respectful dialogue among different belief systems is essential for harmony.
Let’s dive into some statements made by non-Christians that can sometimes offend Christians, even if not on purpose. It highlights the importance of fostering empathy and understanding to promote a more inclusive society.
So Irritating! These 12 Statements Made By Non-Christians Are Really Offensive
Feeling Stuck in Your Sin? Learn How to Put God First
Sometimes our plates become so full of things that we accidentally put God on the back burner. We don’t mean to, but the distraction of life tears us away from putting God first in our lives as He wants us to do.
If you’re tired of sinning and feeling like God is distant, keep reading to learn more about putting God first, even when your plate is full.
How to Put God First in Your Life (Including Powerful Bible Verses)