Sin should not be understood merely as a violation of some moral or legal
regulations. Sin, primarily, means to turn away from God, to banish Him from
one’s life, and in His place to set oneself or other ‘gods’ – idols, such as
greed, injustice, lust. However, when a person distances themselves from
God, they distance themselves from life, truth, light, and joy, and then they
condemn themselves to the darkness of sin. That is why the forgiveness of
sins given by the compassionate Father to the person who repents for their
shortcomings, mistakes, and misdeeds is one of God’s greatest gifts; a
profound proof of His love and infinite philanthropy.
From the Voice of the Lord given freely every Sunday at the Greek Orthodox
churches
Translated by Dr. Nick Stergiou
