The Nature of Sin

Often my children come to me, and they ask me, what is sin? Sin is that which separates you, my children, from my Father and I. Mine is a desire for perfect love; all which is not loving is sin.

When you speak to your fellow man, when you interact with my children, ask yourself not only, ‘Is this true? Is it helpful? Is it necessary?’ I charge you to ask also, ‘Is this loving?’ Many will give lists of behaviors that are sin, acts and feelings that are cut and dry, rules and laws. But I say unto you, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And there is a second like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'. The whole of the Law and the Prophets depends on these two commandments.

You have heard that it was said to the people in the old days, 'You shall not murder', and anyone who does must stand his trial. But I say to you that anyone who is angry with his brother must stand his trial; anyone who contemptuously calls his brother a fool must face the supreme court; and anyone who looks on his brother as a lost soul is himself heading straight for the fire of destruction. Be kind to your brother, and judge him not, it is I who knows his heart. It is on you to make peace with him, to be loving.

You have heard that it was said to the people in the old days, 'You shall not commit adultery'. But I say to you that every man who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her - in his heart. This is not kind, not to the woman you look upon, for when you look at her as an object of lust you take her humanity from her; instead look at her in love, she is your sister, my child.

You have heard that it used to be said 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth', but I tell you, don't resist the man who wants to harm you. If a man hits your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If a man wants to sue you for your coat, let him have it and your overcoat as well. If anybody forces you to go a mile with him, do more - go two miles with him. Give to the man who asks anything from you, and don't turn away from the man who wants to borrow."

You have heard that it used to be said, 'You shall love your neighbor', and 'hate your enemy', but I tell you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Heavenly Father. For he makes the sun rise upon evil men as well as good, and he sends his rain upon honest and dishonest men alike. For if you love only those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even evil men do this. And if you exchange greetings only with your own circle, are you doing anything exceptional?

I wish you to live in perfect love, for yourselves, for one another, for your fellow man. Remember this: treat one another as you wish you be treated. That is the whole of the law.