Sin or Swim
How would you be treated by others if you….
Announced you were going for rehabilitation
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Got a divorce
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Had a child outside of marriage
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Had an abortion
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Worked in a bar
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Ate too much yesterday
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Sued somebody in the group
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Fell in love with a religious leader
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Declared a different romantic preference
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Found drugs in your teenager's room
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Unintentionally insulted someone
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Ate forbidden food in public
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Went to work instead of the weekly service
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Wore shorts in a service
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Danced in the aisles
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Sat in self-pity too long
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Had a drinking problem
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Challenged the authority of the organization
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Went to the hospital for an overdose
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Argued a point on the side of another religion
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Ended up in jail for stealing
- by your spiritual circle
- by other friends and family
- by your higher power
- by yourself
Extremes
In your opinion, what is the worst thing you could ever do?
According to religious principles, what is the worst?
Is there anything that warrants excommunication?
Is there anything you could do that would lose your acceptance in the eyes of your higher power?
What does your god gain in forgiving you?
What reparations should be made to those you've hurt?
taking something that didn't belong to you
weakness in fighting addictions
argument with family member
decision to leave spouse or family
forgetting your keys
avoiding the assembly of believers
wasting time
neglecting prayer
hitting someone
putting off paperwork
not making your life meaningful enough
ignoring the needy
What does the God of the Bible offer in these situations?
For our high priest is able to understand our weaknesses. When he lived on earth, he was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin. Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God's throne where ther is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.
Hebrews 4:15-16 NCV
In him [Christ] and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Ephesians 3:12 NIV
Sin is crouching at your door hungry to get you. You can still master him.
Genesis 4:7 JB
Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2, 3 NIV
Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty — you will succeed because of my Spirit, though you are few and weak.
Zechariah 4:6 TLB
...so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
II Corinthians 5:21 RSV
More to read...
Romans 3, 4, 5
God, you say that you forgive anything. You say that resisting forgiveness holds me back. Help me know that you, as my heavenly Father, will have compassion on me me no matter what I do. Show me how to relate to people in a way that would bring Your best into their lives. Protect me from the judgment of others.
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