Sin
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, in this sermon given near the New Year, speaks about the seriousness of sin and the need to begin the new year with sincere repentance and purity of heart. He explains that true repentance begins when a person realizes the ugliness of sin and its complete separation from God.
1. The nature of sin
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Sin is not merely breaking a commandment but separation from God and rebellion against His light.
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The sinner expels the Spirit of God from his heart, grieving the Holy Spirit and losing the divine image he was created in.
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Sin deforms the person and robs him of his humanity as he justifies his faults and silences his conscience.
2. The effect of sin on the person
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Sin affects the spirit, soul, and body, distorting the face, mind, and heart.
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It changes one’s features, behavior, and peace, turning joy into darkness.
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Sin becomes a habit and then a nature if a person does not repent.
3. The deceit of sin
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The worst thing about sin is when one thinks it is cleverness or skill and takes pride in it.
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Examples: cheating taxes, customs, forging medical excuses, or lying to gain advantage.
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Such acts are theft and deceit, not intelligence or success.
4. True repentance and correcting the past
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Repentance is not only quitting sin but also correcting the consequences of past wrongs.
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Whoever damaged another’s reputation must restore it; whoever wronged others must try to make restitution.
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Correcting the past brings peace and releases the soul from guilt.
5. Compound sins
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Every sin is linked to others: lying includes deceit and denial of truth; adultery includes lust, defilement of body and mind; theft involves greed, falsehood, and injustice.
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Each sin multiplies its results and spreads harm to others.
6. Justifying sin and renaming it
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Many disguise their sins with beautiful names: calling cruelty “firmness,” immorality “art,” laziness “rest.”
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These excuses hide sin but never remove it. True healing begins when one faces the truth.
7. Lack of spiritual growth as a hidden sin
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Some live in spiritual stagnation without striving for virtue.
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Lack of growth is itself a sin, for God calls us to grow daily in faith, love, and holiness.
Conclusion
His Holiness concludes by calling all to start the new year with a clean page, writing in it only what pleases God. Repentance, growth, and correction of past wrongs are the path to a holy and joyful life that glorifies God.
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