How To Feel More Comfortable about Sin

The word “sin” seems so harsh. No one likes to have their actions called sins. Naturally, having our mistakes labeled as sin makes us feel uncomfortable.

If you want to continue down a wrong path without feeling guilty, here are a few common traps to fall into:

1. Emphasize Other People’s Sins and Minimize Your Own

Jesus illustrated this mindset in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector:

“9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” — Luke 18:9-14 (ESV)

[caption id=“attachment_2051” align=“alignleft” width=“300”] A drawing of two paths by Rody Davis[/caption]

The tax collector had a very honest view of his sin. His deep humility showed that he was far from comfortable with his mistakes. He would not even look up to heaven while asking God for mercy.

On the other hand, the Pharisee felt righteous by comparing himself to others whom he looked down upon. He was quick to point out his good deeds and check off his spiritual accomplishments.

Jesus also addressed this issue in His famous warning:

“Judge not, that you be not judged.” — Matthew 7:1-5

Focusing on the speck of dust in someone else’s eye while ignoring the wooden beam in your own eye is a dangerous spiritual blind spot. Jesus calls us to examine ourselves first so that we can genuinely help others.

2. Think About Evil Things Without Actually Doing Them

Some people worry that committing specific acts will cause them to lose their relationship with God:

“9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified [made holy], you were justified [declared righteous] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” — 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV)

Even if we avoid these physical actions, we might let our minds wander into sinful fantasies. We might think we are safe because these thoughts stay hidden in our minds.

However, the Bible calls us to a higher standard:

• Set your mind on things above, not on worldly things (Colossians 3:1-2).
• Guarding your heart is critical, because evil thoughts defile us from the inside out (Matthew 15:11, 15-20).

Every sinful action starts as a seed in the heart, fueled by lust, greed, or envy.

3. Play Near “Big” Sins Without Crossing the Line

Many people view sin as a boundary line they shouldn’t cross. They think they are safe as long as they don’t commit “major” sins like stealing or murder.

Jesus challenged this view in Matthew 5:21-22 and 27-28. He taught that anger and lust in the heart are serious issues that lead up to those actions. In God’s eyes, there are no “big” or “little” sins—all unrighteousness is sin.

We must also remember that sin is highly deceptive. When you try to see how close to the edge you can stand, you have already compromised.

James 1:12-16 shows that sin progresses gradually. Most people do not dive straight into deep water; they slowly wade in until they are completely swept away.

4. Laugh at Sinful Things

Mocking the concept of sin and laughing at wrong choices makes them seem harmless. This is often the impact of modern TV shows and movies. Filthy language (Colossians 3:8) or immoral behavior is easily excused when it is presented as a joke.

The prophet Isaiah warned against this very attitude:

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” — Isaiah 5:20 (ESV)

When we consume entertainment that treats adultery and premarital sex as lighthearted comedy, we slowly desensitize our conscience. We find ourselves rooting for characters to make choices we would never approve of in real life.

5. Follow Worldly Philosophies

It is easy to let popular culture and comfortable half-truths guide our thinking instead of God’s Word. However, scripture has the power to cut through these hollow arguments (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

To remain comfortable with sin, you have to avoid deep bible study and convince yourself that beliefs do not matter (1 Timothy 1:5-7). People often seek out teaching that simply tells them what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:2-5).

6. Give Into Bad Habits and Claim You Can’t Fight Them

Another way to quiet your conscience is to convince yourself that you are too weak to change. If you tell yourself that God will just have to accept your lack of self-control, you can keep sinning without guilt.

However, this excuse ignores the active faith we are called to live:

• Paul disciplined his body and mind to remain faithful (1 Corinthians 9:27).
• We are commanded not to let sin rule over us (Romans 6:12-14).
• We must actively build self-control and flee from immorality (2 Peter 1; 1 Corinthians 6:18; Titus 2:12).

7. Avoid Thinking Spiritually

If you keep your mind focused only on physical things, you won’t worry about what is right and wrong. You can repeat the comfortable phrase “peace and safety” (1 Thessalonians 5:3) to quiet your mind. Spiritual thoughts challenge our habits, and a quiet conscience is easier to keep when we ignore God.

A Better Path: Rejecting Comfort in Sin

Perhaps you realize that you shouldn’t feel comfortable with sin. This is a healthy realization. The Bible warns that we will all face judgment for our thoughts and actions (Revelation 20:12-13; Hebrews 4:12-13).

Sin drags us away from the beauty of a holy life (2 Peter 1:3-4). The more we give in, the less we reflect the character of Christ.

True peace, joy, and satisfaction are found only in Christ. The world promises fulfillment through pleasure, wealth, and status, but it can never deliver on those promises. Do not let your heart grow comfortable with sin.