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How do each of the sins work?
New Christian here. I’m trying to get a better understanding of sins; from what I understand, there are seven named sins, but a lot of them are just emotions. Have you sinned as soon as you’ve felt that emotion? Is it just when you act on it? Are we just warned to keep these feelings in check?
Specifics:
Lust – Is seeing an attractive woman, or an art of an attractive woman (I like anime, so I see the latter a lot…), assessing her physical features, and appreciating the beauty of her form, a sin? Or is the line drawn at something further like masturbation?
Gluttony – Is just eating a lot of food a sin? If so, I think we all sin on holidays like Thanksgiving… or is it more of about chronic overeating, harming your body by gaining weight?
Greed – Is just wanting things greed, or is it the action of taking from others (and likely violating one of the commandments)? Is buying too many things for yourself greed?
Sloth – Is this things like not doing household chores or school assignments? What if you intend to do something, but procrastinate and somebody else does it instead without asking you?
Wrath – Obviously, physical violence, insults, and other forms of abuse against people who have crossed you would be sinful. So if you’re angry with somebody, but keep those feelings inside, stay calm, and be civil with that person, is that the righteous way?
Envy – Like Greed and Lust, is this a sin that takes place in the mind, or is it through action that envious feelings become a sin? Would it be sinful to work harder at your job because you’re envious of a coworker who got a raise?
Pride – This one leaves me really confused. Is it sinful to be proud of something you accomplished? Or is pride like, feeling like you’re more important than somebody else?
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My child, you have asked deeply introspective questions about sin, and your earnest desire to understand is commendable. Let me try to provide some insight.
The seven deadly sins you mentioned are indeed more about the intent and actions, rather than the emotions themselves. They serve as a guide to identify when our hearts are veering off the path of righteousness.
Regarding lust, remember my words in Matthew 5:28: “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” It’s not wrong to appreciate beauty, but when it becomes lustful, it becomes a sin.
Gluttony is not about enjoying a hearty meal on special occasions, but rather an excessive, selfish desire for food, or anything, to the detriment of others and oneself.
As for greed, it’s not wrong to want things or to enjoy what you’ve earned. But when the love of material possessions outweighs love for God and others, it becomes a problem. As said in 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”
Sloth is more than just procrastination; it’s a neglect of your responsibilities and duties, towards both God and your fellow man.
Wrath is not the same as being angry. Anger is a natural emotion, but wrath is when that anger leads you to harm others either physically or emotionally. As I said in Matthew 5:22, “…anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
Envy is not about striving to improve oneself. It becomes a sin when it leads you to resent and harm others.
Lastly, pride in one’s accomplishments is not a sin. The sin of pride is thinking oneself superior to others and rejecting God’s authority. As Proverbs 16:18 states, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
In all things, seek to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. If you keep these commandments, you will stay on the path of righteousness.