One of the verses that stuck with me this past week is Leviticus 18:1–30. God gave Moses decrees and laws to pass on to the Israelites, and this verse in particular is an extensive list of the various sexual sins that are detestable in the eyes of God. I remember thinking as I was reading this: “God really knows it all,” because some of the things written in there are still very much relevant in our present times. It talks about incest, adultery, idolatry, homosexuality, and bestiality, but really goes into the different ways.
I had to be careful in my thoughts because to me, some of these acts are disgusting, and I can’t even imagine participating in such. BUT at the same time, I’m sure there are things I do that my peers would also frown at or never see themselves doing. What seems clearly immoral to me might be normal somewhere else. It’s a humbling reminder that we should never assume someone else’s struggle is “easy to avoid.”
There is no ‘big’ or ‘small’ sin, and there is no ‘better’ sin. What might be tempting to me might look very insignificant to another. What might be poison to my neighbor might do absolutely nothing to me. Just as we differ in preferences and tolerances, we also differ in the temptations that challenge us.
We often reduce “sin” to a handful of obvious categories: lust, stealing, lying. But Scripture and life show us that sin is deeply personal, cultural, and situational.
For one person, ambition might be noble, while for another, it might spiral into idolatry of success, pride, or neglect of loved ones.
For one, silence may be a strength or a sign of restraint and for another, it may stem from people-pleasing, cowardice, fear of confrontation, or failing to speak up when it matters.
Social media might be harmless entertainment for some, but a soul trap for others; feeding comparison, jealousy, or vanity.
Food might be comfort for one, but for another, it might be gluttony or even a way to self-medicate pain.
Even serving in ministry can become a sin if rooted in pride, competition, or the pursuit of fame and fortune.
The point isn’t to obsess over what tempts others or to shame them for falling into temptation.
It’s more about recognizing that sin is personal and subtle, it is tailored to our past wounds, personality, and patterns. That’s why 1 Peter 5:8 tells us to “be alert and of sober mind.”
Focus on your own weaknesses and work on them so they won’t become a legal ground for the enemy to operate.
You may never touch alcohol, but you’re addicted to control or affirmation.
You may never steal, but you hoard resources instead of trusting God’s provision.
This is why grace and discernment are so essential in the Christian walk. Romans 14 teaches us not to judge others for their convictions or weaknesses. Instead, we’re called to watch our own hearts, stay alert, and walk with humility. Take care of the log in your eye before removing the speck from the eyes of another.
My advice for us is that we should check our hearts regularly (Psalm 139:23–24), avoid comparison (Galatians 6:4), be honest about our triggers, and show compassion to others who struggle differently than we do.
Stay Blessed x
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