A sin of omission refers to a sin that is committed by failing to do something that should be done. It is a sin that occurs when we fail to do what we know God wants us to do. Some key points about sins of omission:
- A sin of omission is when we fail to do the good we know we should do (James 4:17). It is a sin committed by omission of a required act.
- Sins of omission go against Jesus’ teaching that loving God means keeping His commandments (John 14:15). When we know God’s will but fail to follow it, we are sinning.
- We are called to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). Failing to act on what we know is right is just as much a sin as deliberately doing what is wrong.
- Sins of omission demonstrate a lack of love. We are commanded to love one another (John 13:34). Failing to help someone in need when we are able is unloving.
The Bible speaks about sins of omission in both Old and New Testaments:
Old Testament Examples of Sins of Omission
The Old Testament law required God’s people to act in certain ways and condemned their failures to act.
- The priest and Levite failed to help the robbed and wounded man in the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). Their lack of love led them to pass by the man in need.
- God condemned the “shepherds of Israel” for failing to care for and lead the people properly (Ezekiel 34:2-4). Their position required action on their part.
- The prophet Samuel rebuked King Saul for failing to fully obey God’s instructions (1 Samuel 15:13-23). Partial obedience was disobedience.
These examples illustrate that under the Old Covenant, failing to act according to God’s commands was considered sinful. Love demanded action, not just avoidance of wrongdoing.
New Testament Examples of Sins of Omission
Jesus and the apostles also taught strongly against sins of omission and the need for obedience.
- Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for neglecting “the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23). Their outward religious acts weren’t enough.
- The parable of the sheep and the goats deals entirely with sins of omission – failing to give food, drink, aid, and compassion to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46).
- James 4:17 states “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” Knowing yet failing to act is sin.
- The servant who failed to use his master’s money to earn more was rebuked for failing to act in the master’s interests (Matthew 25:14-30).
Under the New Covenant, actions guided by love are still essential. Simple inaction is sin when God’s will is known but ignored.
Why Sins of Omission Are Harmful
Sins of omission may not seem “as bad” as sins of commission, yet they are deeply destructive:
- They demonstrate a heart of disobedience against God. Choosing not to obey God’s commands means willfully disregarding His Lordship.
- They harm others. Failing to love others fails to minister to real needs in people’s lives that we could meet (Matthew 25:31-46).
- They retard spiritual growth. Actively serving God and others stimulates faith and godly character. Inaction leads to stagnation.
- They spread sin’s influence. Failing to oppose injustice, false teaching, evil speech, etc. allows sin to flourish unrestrained.
- They exhibit unbelief. Shrinking back from God’s commands shows distrust in His wisdom and sovereignty.
- They forfeit eternal rewards. Jesus links serving Him with eternal status and rewards (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:11-27).
Though seemingly passive, sins of omission actively oppose God’s will and bring much destruction. They must be repented of and forsaken.
Examples of Common Sins of Omission Today
Many sins of omission commonly occur among Christians today. Some examples include:
- Neglecting evangelism and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Failing to share the gospel and make disciples of Jesus.
- Not praying. Neglecting communion with God through regular prayer and intercession (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
- Missing church gatherings (Hebrews 10:25). Forgetting or choosing not to meet with other believers.
- Not helping the poor and needy (1 John 3:17-18). Ignoring opportunities to give generously to those lacking basic necessities.
- Not making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). Failing to meet with and invest in other believers to spur their spiritual growth.
- Not using one’s gifts and abilities for ministry (1 Peter 4:10). Burying talents God intends for use in service.
- Not forgiving others (Ephesians 4:32). Withholding forgiveness toward those who have harmed or offended us.
Any commands we know yet choose to ignore become sins of omission. Examining our lives and obedience is essential.
Fighting Against Sins of Omission
Scripture gives guidance on avoiding and overcoming sins of omission:
- Study God’s Word seeking obedience (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Diligently learn God’s commands to know His will.
- Ask God to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). Pray for awareness of sins committed in ignorance.
- Make obedience your aim (1 John 2:3-6). Orient your life around doing God’s will from the heart.
- Be accountable to other believers (Galatians 6:1-2). Commit to godly relationships that encourage obedience.
- Know that partial obedience is disobedience. Resolve to follow God’s commands completely.
- Purpose to obey promptly (Psalm 119:60). Don’t delay or make excuses when you know God’s will.
- Ask God for wisdom and courage (James 1:5, Joshua 1:9). Seek His strength to faithfully obey.
Genuine love for God manifests itself in action and full obedience to His revealed will. May we take every step to combat sins of omission!
Bible Verses about Sins of Omission
In addition to the verses discussed above, many other Bible passages speak powerfully about sins of omission. Here is a collection of verses to meditate on and spur us on to avoid sins of omission:
James 4:17 – So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
James 2:14-17 – What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Luke 12:47-48 – And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
Matthew 25:24-27 – He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.
1 John 3:16-18 – By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
Proverbs 3:27-28 – Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.
Matthew 23:23 – Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.
May the Lord give us wisdom and courage to recognize and overcome sins of omission through the power of His Spirit and Word!