The Sin of Omission

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. James 4:17

We tend to focus on sins of commission – the wrong we do. But what about sins of omission – the good we fail to do? In Christ’s parables, when someone was condemned, it was often over a sin of omission. A man was put out of a wedding because he had no wedding garment (see Matthew 22:12). Five virgins were excluded from the wedding party because they’d no oil in their lamps (see Matthew 25:3-11). A servant who buried his talent in the ground instead of using it, forfeited it (see Matthew 25:25-28). A rich man who failed to care for his neighbor was condemned for it (see Luke 16:19-24). A barren fig tree that failed to produce fruit was cursed and died (see Mark 11:20-24).

You say, ‘But I’m interested in a deeper spiritual life.’ Well, the deepest spiritual life is one spent doing good to others! And it’s the basis on which you’ll be judged and rewarded. ‘Then the King will…say… “I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.” Then they will reply, “Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?” And He will answer, “I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me”’ (Matthew 25:41-45).

So when you’ve a chance to do good – do it!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me Your eyes to see the needs as You see them – and then to respond! In Jesus’ Name, Amen