I’ve always been a little perplexed by the idea of sin. How is it defined? How do I know whether something is a sin or not?

Thou shalt not murder. That is a pretty clearly written command. Right?

My good friend recently attended the death of her father. I say it that way because her father chose the date, time, and place to be euthanized. He was able to say leisurely goodbyes to his children and grandchildren, and he was able to die peacefully and painlessly instead of continuing to face the long, slow, and painful decline of Parkinson’s disease.

Did the doctor who administered the drugs that killed this man commit murder? Was it a sin?

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭31,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Because of Jesus’s sacrifice, His followers are no longer ruled by the law we read about in the Old Testament. Instead Jesus gave us forgiveness, freedom, and a new command: to love God and love people.

No matter what I do, I only need to consider and be guided by love. Instead of contemplating what it means to sin, I can contemplate what it means to love.

Dear God, thank you for your forgiveness and the freedom that allows. Thank you also for clarifying what is important to you: love. Remind me to use love as my guiding principle in everything I choose to do or not do, say or not say. Forgive me for the times when I take the selfish path instead of the loving path.