Measuring Sin — The Lie of Comparison and the Truth of the Cross
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23
The Lie: Some Sins Are Worse Than Others (And Mine Isn't That Bad)
We live in a world obsessed with measurement. We measure our success, our bank accounts, our calories, our steps—so it’s no surprise that we also try to measure our sin. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we often fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others:
“Well, at least I’m not doing what he’s doing.”
“Yes, I struggle with lust, but I’ve never acted on it like she has.”
“Sure, I gossip a little, but I’m not out there living in open rebellion.”
These thoughts reveal something broken in us—a need to justify, excuse, or lessen our sin by comparison. But that mindset doesn’t come from Scripture. It comes from pride and self-righteousness.
The Truth: All Sin Separates, and All Sin Requires the Cross
The Bible doesn’t rank sin on a scale of 1 to 10. It simply tells us this:
“The wages of sin is death.” — Romans 6:23
Not some sin. Not just “big” sin. Sin.
Whether it’s a lie or murder, a lustful thought or adultery, pride or theft—all sin is cosmic treason against a holy God. James puts it bluntly:
“For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” — James 2:10
In God’s eyes, the issue is not about how many sins or how “bad” they are. The issue is that any sin—every sin—is a rejection of His holiness and rule. One drop of poison contaminates the whole glass. One sin makes us guilty and in need of a Savior.
Why We Try to Measure Sin
At the heart of measuring sin is a desire to remain our own standard. We want to be the judge of how bad we are. We want to stay in control. Measuring sin is a subtle form of self-justification. It keeps us from true repentance by convincing us that we’re “not that bad.”
But Scripture is clear: we don’t measure sin—we mourn it. Jesus said:
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4
That’s not a call to self-pity or shame, but to brokenness over the weight of our sin and the grace of our Savior.
Jesus Didn't Die for Just the “Big Sins”
If sin could be measured, some might think they need more grace than others. But the cross of Christ doesn’t scale grace. It pours it out completely for everyone who repents and believes.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8
Not while we were cleaning ourselves up. Not when we had just a little sin. But while we were still sinners.
That means the same blood that covers murder covers gossip. The same grace that forgives adultery also forgives bitterness. And the same Savior who rescues the addict also redeems the self-righteous churchgoer.
The Real Measurement: God’s Holiness
If you want to measure anything, don’t measure your sin against someone else’s—measure it against God’s holiness.
“Be holy, for I am holy.” — 1 Peter 1:16
That’s the standard. And it’s one we all fall short of. Which is why Jesus came. The gospel isn’t about comparing sins—it’s about confessing them, repenting of them, and receiving the mercy that only Jesus provides.
The Way Out: Confession, Not Comparison
So what do we do when we feel the pull to measure sin?
Repent of pride.
Admit when you’ve been justifying yourself by comparing to others.Confess sin honestly.
Don't downplay it. Don’t grade it. Bring it fully into the light.Cling to Christ.
Your hope is not in being better than someone else. Your hope is in the perfect righteousness of Jesus.Extend grace.
When you stop comparing sins, you’re free to extend the same mercy that you’ve received.
The Cross Is the Level Ground
At the foot of the cross, the murderer and the gossip stand side by side. The porn addict and the prideful preacher kneel together. The self-righteous and the rebellious are both in need of the same grace.
Because at the end of the day, sin doesn’t need to be measured—it needs to be forgiven. And praise God, Jesus measured up when we never could.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9
Stay rooted. Stay humble. Stay steadfast.
– Steadfast Sons
