Catechism: The World's Loveنموونە

“It’s not my fault!” “He made me do it!” “I couldn’t help it!” Do any of those statements sound familiar to you? 

When we’re caught doing something wrong, we often try to look around for someone or something else to blame. 

But the Bible teaches that all sin has one source: the human heart. While our environments, circumstances, and our friends can definitely influence us and set the stage for sin, what surrounds us is not to blame; what’s inside of us is. 

Read: Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 15:12; Mark 7:20-23; Ezekiel 36:25-27

Reflection Questions: 

1. What circumstances or people have you tried to blame for your own sin? How have these passages changed your thinking? Take some time to confess your sin to God and thank him for his forgiveness.  
2. Our culture says things like, “follow your heart.” How do these Scriptures describe the heart? Are our feelings a trustworthy source? 
3. Because sin has warped our desires, we can no longer trust them. Who or what can you trust? Ask God to give you new desires that line up with his will for your life. Thank God for giving you a new heart, and ask him to help you love others like he does.