‘Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.’ James 4:17(NLT)
‘Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”’ Genesis 4:4-7(NLT)
If you did not grow up in the Catholic Church, you may not have heard the term “seven deadly sins.” As I understand it, these “deadly sins” were behaviors or habits that could lead a person into sin. Today the word “vice” is more familiar to most of us and I think helps us understand this concept and the applications I want us to make. A vice can be a fault or an unhealthy or bad habit. It is usually associated with a default in our character rather than our morality. Unchecked, these character defaults can lead to behaviors that can take a toll on us and those around us. Specifically, we will look at each of these as it relates to marriage. We will peel back the layers to uncover the root that can be “deadly” and ultimately destructive to a marriage. We will have the opportunity to open our hearts to God and to let Him bring restoration and healing.
Today’s Challenge:
How can attitudes that lie deep within your heart affect your marriage relationship in a negative way?
Going Deeper:
1. Share a time in your life when you were “blindsided” by a negative attitude or action.
2. At first glance, which of the “seven deadly sins” have you struggled with in your life? Share your answer.
Wrath
Greed
Sloth
Pride
Lust
Envy
Gluttony
3. How could each of these affect a marriage relationship?
4. What does it mean to you when Dr. Kim says that we are “overcomers”?
from Seven Deadly Sins And Your Marriage by Dr. Kim Kimberling