The typical approach to human behavior is to ask if a particular act is forbidden or permitted. Is something right or wrong, approved or disallowed? We tend to ask “is this a sin?”
That approach attempts to sort all human actions into one of two categories, and seems to work well with the extremes of both good and evil behaviors. However, closer to the middle it becomes less obvious.
Even though we might say confidently that murder is forbidden, the taking of another’s life can also be debatable. What if it is done to save the vulnerable? To prevent harm? It is ever right to inflict harm to prevent harm, in other words, to choose the lesser of two evils? Compelling arguments can be made either way. What seemed an easy decision becomes more complicated in the messy realities of the world.
The dualistic approach becomes less helpful in reality. We discover exceptions and good arguments can be made for and against various choices. Another level of complexity is added when we move from general pronouncements to very specific situations. Is it permissible to lie to protect Jews from Nazis, though lying is generally considered a sin?
Likewise, we can say generally that it is good to help others, but what if a particular person is helping others only to be seen of men. Jesus criticizes this “good action”, so much so that he claims it is not good before God (Matthew 6:1).
While some may think I am overcomplicating things, I would respond that a two-category approach oversimplifies our actual lived experience and becomes less and less helpful in practice. If we strictly try to live according to a “is this sin or not” approach we will end up as conflicted as the Pharisees. Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? Keeping the Sabbath rest is good, but so is healing.
Perhaps like Israel, we need to begin with a dualistic approach where we are given commands. Clear instructions on what to do and refrain from doing may be a necessary place to start, but if we are to grow to maturity we must recognize their limitations. Regarding the whole matter, Jesus says to strive toward the two-fold good of loving God and loving our neighbor.
This goal that Jesus gives is ultimately unachievable because a perfect expression of love is beyond our finite nature. We are incapable of perfect love and goodness, and our specific context and each individual’s capability always shapes what is possible even if we are aiming for the greatest good.
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment. Philippians 1:9
How then, do we conduct ourselves? The simple answer is “as best as we are able as we aspire to imitate divine love.” Paul recognizes that love itself grows through increased knowledge and wise discernment. At any particular time, all we have is an imperfect love, one which can still grow by grace, but which is the only love we have with which we may attempt to love like God. We do the best we can, and admit our limitations.
For this reason, we ought to be exceedingly patient, for love is patient, with one another. We have within ourselves and live in an imperfect version of God’s love, as far as we understand it. But we enjoy the perfect love God that gives, which surpasses our present understanding.
. . . and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19
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