Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. — 1 John 3:4 KJV
Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. — 1 John 3:4 NIV
Reflection on Verse for Today
In this verse of the day, the apostle John outlines a clear understanding of sin, stating that it is more than just a mere action but an indication of an inherent spiritual disorder, a lawlessness. That is, it is an active and conscious rebellion against God’s commandments and the natural laws He established for our good.
In a broader sense, this verse prompts us to reflect on the true nature of our actions and thoughts. It urges us to examine whether we are living our lives within God’s law or drifting away into lawlessness – into sin.
God’s law is not arbitrary. It’s not about adhering to a set of rules for the sake of rules. God’s law is an expression of His love, His wisdom, and His desire for us to live meaningful, fulfilling lives. Sin, in its lawlessness, separates us from the fullness of this divine love and guidance.
But, John doesn’t leave us hopeless in this message of sin. Just a few verses later, in 1 John 3:5, he offers the solution, “But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.”
This is the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although we are all sinners and have fallen short, Christ, who is sinless, came to redeem us, take away our sins, and reconcile us back to God.
As Christians, reflecting on this verse for today calls us to assess our lives continuously, identify areas where we might be living outside of God’s laws, and seek His forgiveness and guidance to rectify our path. It is a daily journey of acknowledging our sins, repenting, and allowing Christ’s redemptive power to work in us.
It’s also a call to remember and value the grace offered to us through Jesus. In acknowledging our sins, we must not forget to recognize the merciful love of God that covers us. We are not defined by our sins, but by God’s love for us, demonstrated in Christ’s sacrifice.
To sum up, 1 John 3:4 invites us to a life of humility, repentance, and acceptance of God’s grace. It reminds us that sin is not merely an act but a state of being that can only be healed by turning back to God and accepting the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.