Overcoming Sin through Christ

A Comprehensive List of Sins

(Alphabetically Arranged)

Richard Hollerman

The plan of this study is simple.  We will look at a large number of sins, one by one, alphabetically.  We will define the sin, describe it, and comment on it, along with noticing Scripture references on the particular entry.  Some illustrations will be offered along with the description.

Reaction

Do you act—or react?  React, as we define it, means “to act in opposition to a former condition or act.”  Reaction is “a reverse or opposing action.”[1]  React can mean “to act in opposition, as against some force.”[2]

When someone says something that you don’t agree with, how do you respond?  Do you thoughtfully consider the person’s thoughts and weigh the pros and cons of the idea?  Scripture says, “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer” (Proverbs 15:28a).  Do you “ponder” how to answer people?  Or do you react against people and their thoughts without really considering them and examining Scripture for answers?  When someone comes to you to point out a flaw in your character, to show that you failed in some area, or to inform you of some Biblical truth you may have overlooked, how do you respond?  Do you respond thoughtfully, deliberately, and prayerfully?  Or do you react unthinkingly and selfishly and carnally?

Some people quickly react to a statement or utter a thoughtless and even carnal retort, without even thinking and weighing the meaning of what was said or done.  Their reaction seems to be automatic and immediate, and often is a selfish defense of their position or actions.  Since the reaction comes without forethought and deliberation, generally the reaction and words of reaction do not convey wisdom.  Neither do they communicate kindness, gentleness, and love.

The Bible says, “He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him” (18:13).  It is good to have another point out truth to us or inform us of something we have overlooked or failed to see.  Proverbs says, “The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him” (18:17). Do you allow another to “examine” you and your position—or do you react against the person and assume that you already know what to believe and how to live?

Read Proverbs 9:7-10 to see how we should wisely and thoughtfully respond to someone who comes to us.  In that passage, we see that the reactor and reaction convey dishonor and insulting language.  The reactor will often “hate” the other person.  Thus, words of thoughtless reaction are often unloving, unkind, cruel, false, disrespectful, and unloving.  Instead, let us thoughtfully, wisely, and lovingly respond to people—and not react with anger, bitterness, or self-justification.

[1] The American Heritage College Dictionary.

[2] Random House Webster’s College Dictionary.