Unraveling The Sinfulness Of Unkind And Suspicious Thoughts

Whether unkind or suspicious thoughts are sinful is a question that has plagued Christians for centuries. The consensus is that sin is not solely about outward behaviour but also includes thoughts and intentions. In the Bible, Jesus elevates the concept of sin to include thoughts, as in Matthew 5:28, where he states that whoever looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. However, some argue that thoughts are involuntary and that only actions can be sinful.

Intrusive thoughts are not necessarily sins

The Bible acknowledges that thoughts may be involuntary and that they come from the heart. Shame over something that we cannot control is not helpful or healthy. God knows our nature, and we are saved by His grace, not by our works.

Intrusive thoughts can be a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-partum depression, and attention deficit disorder, among other things. If intrusive thoughts become particularly debilitating, it may be necessary to ask for help from a trained professional.

God has given us tools to fight intrusive thoughts. We can submit our hearts and thoughts to Him, and He will determine if there is anything harmful in us that needs to be dealt with. We can also study Scripture, reaffirm the truth in our minds, and memorise Bible passages to help us in this fight.

In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, we are told:

> For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

We can take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Intentionally exposing oneself to blasphemy, violence, and other evils may be a sin

Intrusive thoughts can be distressing, especially for those with OCD, anxiety, or scrupulosity. The idea that a thought can be sinful can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that sin is not limited to a singular definition and that thoughts alone may not necessarily be sinful. However, the presence of certain thoughts may reflect the heart of a person.

Blasphemy, or speaking evil of and attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to the devil, is considered a grave sin in Christianity. According to Scripture, it is an unforgivable act of willful defiance that strikes fear into the hearts of people. Jesus himself stated that blasphemy against the Son of Man could be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit would not be, neither in this age nor the age to come.

While blasphemy is a serious matter, it is important to note that it is not something that Christians need to constantly worry about committing. As Christians are given the Holy Spirit to dwell in their hearts, it is believed that the Holy Spirit will not deny or slander its own work, and therefore, Christians are protected from committing this sin.

Violence and evil, in general, are considered sins as they go against the character of God, who is loving, just, and holy. Exposing oneself intentionally to such acts may indeed be considered sinful, as it involves a choice to engage with or witness acts contrary to God's nature.

Sins of thought can be part of a bigger picture issue

In Christian doctrine, sin is defined as anything contrary to God and His character, encompassing both actions and thoughts. The Bible acknowledges the significance of thoughts, with Jesus elevating the concept of sin to include certain types of thoughts, such as lustful intentions. However, it is crucial to understand that not all thoughts are sinful, and the mere presence of a thought does not constitute sin.

The distinction between actual sin and original sin is important in this context. Actual sin refers to specific acts of disobedience against God, such as thoughts, words, or deeds that violate His commands. On the other hand, original sin is a condition inherited from Adam and Eve's fall, representing the sinful nature present in every human being from birth. While actual sins are the wrongful deeds committed, original sin is the root cause that inclines individuals toward rebellion against God.

The Bible provides guidance on how to deal with intrusive thoughts. For instance, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 advises believers to take their thoughts captive and submit them to Christ. Additionally, Psalm 139:23-24 encourages individuals to submit their hearts and thoughts to God, allowing Him to reveal any harmful thoughts or intentions.

Furthermore, it is important to recognize that intrusive thoughts can also be a symptom of mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-partum depression, or attention deficit disorder. Seeking professional help from trained counselors or therapists can be beneficial in managing these thoughts and understanding the underlying causes.

In conclusion, while thoughts themselves are not sinful, they can be part of a bigger picture issue. The key lies in an individual's response to these thoughts, their intentions, and the subsequent actions they take. By seeking God's guidance and support, individuals can find the strength and wisdom to discern between fleeting thoughts and sinful intentions, and thus live a life that pleases God.

Sins against charity are a type of sin

Hatred of God can be manifested in the resentment of spiritual teachings against being wordly. Hatred of one's neighbour can be caused by various reasons, such as noise complaints or cultural differences. Envy is a common sin, often found in competitive sports, where individuals resent another person's success due to their own lack thereof. Sloth is characterised by laziness and a refusal to do good unto others, including not volunteering for charities. Scandal involves being a negative influence on others and encouraging them to sin, which can be done through adultery or disrupting church services.

These sins against charity threaten the concrete effects of love by rebelling against dependence on God and undermining interdependence with others. They can lead to a loss of inner joy and peace, as well as outward mercy, good will, and unity with God and neighbours. Recognising and addressing uncharitable thoughts is crucial to prevent them from turning into sins.

Jesus elevated the concept of sin to include thoughts

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says:

> "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:27-28)

Here, Jesus is saying that sin can occur not only through physical acts of adultery but also through lustful thoughts. This idea is further reinforced in James 1:14-15, which states that sin occurs when we give in to our internal feelings and thoughts.

Additionally, in Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus equates anger with murder, suggesting that having angry thoughts towards someone is a sin.

The inclusion of thoughts as a form of sin is also supported by the definition of sin as "any action, thought, or attitude that goes against God's law and His standards described in Scripture". This includes not only outward behaviour but also the condition of the heart, such as selfishness, pride, or harmful intentions.

Furthermore, the Bible states that evil thoughts come "out of the heart of man" and are what defile a person (Matthew 15:19).

By including thoughts as a form of sin, Jesus emphasized the importance of inner righteousness and not just outward actions. This elevated understanding of sin challenges individuals to examine their thoughts and motivations and strive for purity in both thought and deed.

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