The Sin Of Omission
“To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4:17
We usually focus on sins of commission, which is the wrong we do. But what about the sins of omission, which is the good we fail to do?
In Jesus’ 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 in Matthew 22:12.
The 5 virgins in Mathew 25:3-11 were excluded from the wedding party because they had no oil in their lamps.
A servant who buried his talent in the ground instead of using it, forfeited it. Matthew 25:25–28.
A rich man who failed to care for his neighbour was condemned for it. Luke 16:19–24.
A barren fig tree that failed to produce fruit was cursed and died. Mark 11:20
Yet you can 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 will 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 hto help the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help Me.”’ Matthew 25:41–45
So when you have a chance to do good, do it!