How do I know if it’s a sin or not?
To discern whether something is a sin, the best place to start is always with God’s Word. The Bible clearly identifies many sins, but there are situations that may not be explicitly mentioned. In those cases, understanding the deeper principles of God’s law in the Old and New Testaments can help guide us.
For now, I’ll share some practical ways I’ve learned to recognize sin in my own life. Always verify with the Bible, though, because that’s our ultimate authority. And if you’re still unsure, pray about it or ask someone more spiritually mature—like a pastor or elder—for guidance.
Steps to Consider:
- Does it align with God’s character? If something contradicts God’s holiness, love, or justice, it’s likely sinful.
- Does it go against God’s commandments? The Bible is clear about many sins, such as dishonesty, hatred, or sexual immorality.
- Does it harm your relationship with God, others, or yourself? Sin often damages relationships and distances us from God.
The Holy Spirit also plays a huge role in guiding us. When you feel a sense of conviction or unease about something, take time to pray. That conviction is the Spirit’s loving way of helping you correct your path and grow closer to God—it’s not about condemnation but about leading you toward His holiness.
Practical Examples Based on My Experience:
- Listening to Conviction: I’ve had times when I felt uneasy about watching certain shows or movies on streaming platforms purely for entertainment (even if the content is family friendly). I realized these could lead to idolatry or waste time that I could spend praying, reading the Bible, or studying Holiness books. That uneasiness felt like the Holy Spirit prompting me to turn away from those distractions and focus on things that nurture my soul.
- Using Harsh Words: There have been moments when I’ve spoken harshly or unkindly out of frustration. Ephesians 4:29 reminds us to avoid corrupt communication, and I’ve felt the Spirit convict me to apologize and seek reconciliation. It’s a reminder to think carefully about how my words affect others.
- Skipping Worship: When I first got saved, I only attended Sunday morning services. Over time, I felt convicted about missing other gatherings, like evening services, prayer meetings, and midweek services. I felt uneasy staying at home knowing there was an opportunity to worship with others. That conviction pushed me to prioritize attending those gatherings, and my hunger for God’s Word grew deeper as a result.
- Engaging in Gossip: I’ve shared stories at work about others that didn’t build them up. In those moments, Proverbs 11:13 came to mind, reminding me to speak words that edify. The Spirit nudged me to seek forgiveness from the person I’d wronged and to be more mindful of my speech.
- Idolizing Money or Success: I used to prioritize money and material success above everything else. Through God’s Word, I felt a strong conviction to put Him first in my life. One way I responded was by starting to tithe faithfully. Tithing helped me shift my focus from material gain to trusting God as my provider, and it brought joy to give back to Him.
- Choosing Entertainment: There have been moments when I’ve felt convicted that a certain activity, like reading a secular book, playing video games, and listening to secular music, or casually browsing houses for sale, didn’t honor God. The Holy Spirit’s gentle nudge encouraged me to reevaluate those choices and focus on what draws me closer to Him.
- Unforgiveness: Holding onto resentment has been a personal struggle. Jesus’ command to forgive (Matthew 6:14-15) often comes to mind, and the Spirit gently reminds me of how much I’ve been forgiven by God. That realization helps me release bitterness and seek peace.
Every Christian walks a unique path, and the examples I’ve shared are based on what God has personally shown me. Your convictions may be different—and that’s okay. What matters most is continually seeking guidance from the Bible and asking God for clarity. He often speaks through His Word and other means of grace.
If a conviction draws you closer to God and encourages a holy life, follow it without hesitation. The Bible doesn’t list every specific sin because God isn’t a legalist—He meets us where we are. Sin is a willful violation of God’s law, but temptation itself is not sin. As long as you don’t act on it (or entertained it in your mind), you haven’t sinned.
When we do sin, the Holy Spirit convicts us, and we feel it in our hearts. We must confess it to God (1 John 1:9) immediately and make restitution (Exodus 22:1) if needed, as God instructed: “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:5)
As James 4:17 says, “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”