Enhanced Culpability
in whom we have redemption through His blood, forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace Ephesians 1:7
Sins – The usual word of “sin” in the New Testament is hamartia. This word means, “missing the mark.” It carries the idea that a sin falls short of the standard of God’s holiness and is therefore punishable because it is a failure to do what the law requires. But here Paul uses a different word with a different emphasis. Here he uses paraptoma. This word is sometimes translated “trespass.” It is no less a sin, but it points out a slightly different orientation. With this word we do not see the emphasis on missing the mark. We see the idea of an offense or insult. What’s particularly important is that this word shows us that there is no moral difference between an offense against another person or an offense against God. When I trespass against my neighbor, I simultaneously offend God. My sin is always communal.
We need this broader vocabulary for “sin.” To lump all sins into the one pile of not living up to the requirements of the law makes it seem as though all we lack is the will power to be better people. But paraptoma enhances our understanding. Now we see that it is not simply a matter of living up to a rule. Sin is also a part of my continuous interaction with other human beings and with God Himself. I am not able to divorce how I treat others from how I relate to God. Now we know why John says that a man cannot claim to love God and hate his brother. Such a man is a liar because the two actions are essentially the same.
What does this mean for me? It means that my community cannot be separated from my personal spirituality. How I act toward my neighbors is the true reflection of my openness to God. It means that my social relationships are a part of my religious experience. How I treat others demonstrates my devotion to the Lord. It is impossible to ignore, harm, offend or despise another person without doing the same to God.
“Lord, forgive my trespasses. Forgive me for the times that I walked away from someone in need, for the times I spoke ill of someone else, for the times I sought revenge or wished evil on another. In all those moments, I offended You. Lord, today let me truly be my brother’s keeper; the one who lifts his burdens, brings him shelter, encourages, consoles, empowers and provides for his well-being. Do not remember my trespasses and I will put out of my mind those who have trespassed against me.”
