Permanent Marker Sin vs invisible ink sin

Let’s take a look at sin through the simplistic eyes of a child. Most church attending kids can tell you the basic truth that sin is bad, and without diving down the rabbit hole of what all religious groups believe about levels of sin and whether they exist or not we will discuss the “sin is bad” part. Sin is often defined as any thought, action, or behavior that goes against God's will or falls short of His perfect standards. 

When teaching kids about sin I personally want them to understand what it is and how it affects them, but I also want to point out that all sin is bad whether you can see it clearly or it is easily hidden. This brings us to the analogy of sharpie sin vs invisible ink sin.

  • Permanent Marker Sin:

    • Imagine Permanent Sin" as actions or behaviors that are very noticeable and leave a clear mark. It's like using a permanent marker; once you've done it, the mark is there for everyone to see. These might be more obvious or outward actions that are easily seen or felt by others.

    • These can be those make or break us sins that either make us feel really good about ourselves because we haven’t personally dealt with them or horrible because we have.

    • Permanent marker sins set unfortunate traps for believers to fall into unwarranted judgment of our fellow believers.

  • Invisible Ink Sin:

    • On the other hand, "Invisible Ink Sin" could represent actions or thoughts that aren't immediately visible to others. It's like writing with invisible ink; the mark is there, but it's hidden. These sins might be more internal, like thoughts or feelings that others may not be aware of.

    • These sins are just as dangerous but for the same reason as sharpie sins. They allow us as believers to lie to ourselves. We convince ourselves that because no one can “see” those particular sins that they don’t really exist, when the reality is that God can see and knows all of our sins whether sharpie or invisible ink.

The Permanent Marker Sin vs Invisible Ink analogy is just one way to look at sin and help children understand it. Here are 10 key reasons why teaching kids about sin is significant.

Teaching children about what sin is holds significant importance in the context of moral and spiritual development. Here are key reasons:

  • 1. Moral Guidance:

    • Understanding sin provides children with a moral compass, helping them differentiate between right and wrong. It instills a sense of ethics and guides their behavior in various life situations.

  • 2. Spiritual Awareness:

    • Teaching about sin introduces children to spiritual concepts, fostering an awareness of their relationship with a higher power. It lays the foundation for understanding religious teachings and principles.

  • 3. Personal Responsibility:

    • Learning about sin encourages a sense of personal responsibility. Children become aware that their actions have consequences and develop accountability for their behavior.

  • 4. Empathy and Compassion:

    • Knowing about sin enables children to empathize with others who may be affected by their actions. It promotes compassion, kindness, and consideration for the well-being of others.

  • 5. Social Harmony:

    • Understanding sin contributes to the development of social harmony. Children learn the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, fostering positive relationships within families, communities, and beyond.

  • 6. Forgiveness and Redemption:

    • Teaching about sin includes the concept of forgiveness and redemption. Children learn that mistakes can be rectified through repentance and that they have the capacity to grow and change positively.

  • 7. Character Development:

    • The awareness of sin plays a crucial role in character development. It helps children build virtues such as honesty, integrity, and humility, contributing to the formation of a strong and virtuous character.

  • 8. Guidance for Decision-Making:

    • Knowing about sin equips children with a foundation for making wise and ethical decisions. It provides a framework for evaluating choices and understanding the potential impact on themselves and others.

  • 9. Cultural and Religious Understanding:

    • For children raised in religious traditions, learning about sin is integral to understanding the cultural and religious values of their community. It fosters a connection to their heritage and a sense of belonging.

  • 10. Life Skills:

    • Teaching children about sin contributes to the development of essential life skills, including self-reflection, empathy, conflict resolution, and moral reasoning. These skills are valuable for navigating various aspects of life.


In summary, teaching children about sin serves as a foundational element in their moral, faith and social development. It provides them with the tools needed to navigate ethical challenges, form positive relationships, and cultivate a sense of responsibility towards themselves and others based on biblical concepts.



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