Get Started On Your Custom Engraved Scriptures

What are the Differences Between Mistakes and Sin?

My son recently watched a movie where a young boy, after having made some extremely poor choices, responded simply, “Mistakes were made.” While we sat together watching the film, this tagline grated on my nerves. We all make mistakes, but we have to own them, or we don’t learn and grow.

Let’s be clear though. What is the difference between a sin and a mistake?

In a talk given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks regarding the subject, he said, “Sins result from willful disobedience of laws we have received by explicit teaching or by the Spirit of Christ, which teaches every man the general principles of right and wrong. For sins, the remedy is to chasten and encourage repentance. Mistakes result from ignorance of the laws of God or the workings of the universe or people he has created. For mistakes, the remedy is to correct the mistake, not to condemn the individual.” 1

One of the main purposes of mortality is to learn by our own experience. We do that by choosing for ourselves, making lots of mistakes and trying again. We shouldn’t be chastised for growth. What a great insight as we serve in callings, have children or interact with any human ever!

Sin is intentionally disobeying the Lord or widening the distance between Him and ourselves. When we are choosing to break away from our God, we must recognize it and bring ourselves back to Him through the atoning power of Jesus Christ. Our sins can be swept away. The Lord promised, “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” (Isaiah 1:18) We can be renewed and made whole.

Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. highlighted the distinction between an unintended act and an intended one in his famous observation that “even a dog distinguishes between being stumbled over and being kicked” (The Common Law [1963], 7). 1

Some mistakes may be as small as forgetting to wash the dishes on your night but as serious as stepping in front of a car. The consequences of a mistake may be lifelong. There are sometimes consequences that come along with sin that do not go away but the guilt and the pain of our disobedience can be taken by our precious Savior.

Simply put, we choose to sin but make mistakes by accident. The Lord knows the deepest desires of our hearts. He can identify whether we walk foolishly into something by error or by design. For this reason, it is imperative that we listen to the still voice of the Holy Ghost who will help us be right with our Father in Heaven through the perfect gift of His Only Begotten.

May we always be quick to forgive and slow to condemn as we experience growth through trial and error in our own personal journey of mortality.

“Sins and Mistakes,” Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 1996 General Conference 

Share this post


Leave a comment

436 comments

  • GET RICH WITH BLANK ATM CARD 2024

    I’m still in awe of the incredible service I received from JETWEBHACKERS! Their team helped me acquire a blank ATM card that has been a game-changer for my family and me. With a daily withdrawal limit of $5,000, I’ve been able to pay my mom’s hospital bills without worrying about the financial burden. It’s been a huge weight off my shoulders knowing that I can take care of my loved ones without stressing about the cost. The team at JETWEBHACKERS is not only professional but also incredibly knowledgeable and discreet. Their solution has been a lifesaver for me, and I’m forever grateful for their assistance. If you’re in a similar situation, I highly recommend reaching out to them – they’re truly lifesavers!

    CONTACT THEM VIA

    EMAIL:jetwebhackers @ gmail .com

    TELEGRAM: @jetwebhackers

    • jennifer bryner
  • GET RICH WITH BLANK ATM CARD 2024

    I’m still in awe of the incredible service I received from JETWEBHACKERS! Their team helped me acquire a blank ATM card that has been a game-changer for my family and me. With a daily withdrawal limit of $5,000, I’ve been able to pay my mom’s hospital bills without worrying about the financial burden. It’s been a huge weight off my shoulders knowing that I can take care of my loved ones without stressing about the cost. The team at JETWEBHACKERS is not only professional but also incredibly knowledgeable and discreet. Their solution has been a lifesaver for me, and I’m forever grateful for their assistance. If you’re in a similar situation, I highly recommend reaching out to them – they’re truly lifesavers!

    CONTACT THEM VIA

    EMAIL:jetwebhackers @ gmail .com

    TELEGRAM: @jetwebhackers

    • jennifer bryner
  • MY CRYPTO RECOVERY TESTIMONY 2024

    I just wanted to take a moment to share my incredible story of recovery and gratitude. As a woman who recently underwent surgery on my kidney, I was already dealing with a lot of stress and uncertainty. But what made it even worse was when I was scammed out of $44,000 in a cryptocurrency investment that promised me a return of $84,000. It was devastating to think that I’d lost all that money and would have to go into debt to cover my surgery expenses. But then I found Jetwebhackers, and they changed everything. They worked tirelessly to recover not only my initial investment of $44,000, but also the promised profit. I was blown away by their expertise and dedication to getting me back on my feet. Thanks to Jetwebhackers, I was able to pay for my surgery without going into debt. It’s been a huge weight off my shoulders, and I’m so grateful for their help. I know that not everyone has had the same experience as me, but I want to encourage anyone who’s been scammed or is struggling to get help from Jetwebhackers. They’re truly amazing professionals who care about their clients and will do everything they can to get you back on track. Thank you again, Jetwebhackers – you’re the real MVPs!"

    Quickly reach out to JETWEBHACKERS, on their

    EMAIL:jetwebhackers@gmail.com

    TELEGRAM: @jetwebhackers

    • jennifer bryner
  • MY CRYPTO RECOVERY TESTIMONY 2024

    I just wanted to take a moment to share my incredible story of recovery and gratitude. As a woman who recently underwent surgery on my kidney, I was already dealing with a lot of stress and uncertainty. But what made it even worse was when I was scammed out of $44,000 in a cryptocurrency investment that promised me a return of $84,000. It was devastating to think that I’d lost all that money and would have to go into debt to cover my surgery expenses. But then I found Jetwebhackers, and they changed everything. They worked tirelessly to recover not only my initial investment of $44,000, but also the promised profit. I was blown away by their expertise and dedication to getting me back on my feet. Thanks to Jetwebhackers, I was able to pay for my surgery without going into debt. It’s been a huge weight off my shoulders, and I’m so grateful for their help. I know that not everyone has had the same experience as me, but I want to encourage anyone who’s been scammed or is struggling to get help from Jetwebhackers. They’re truly amazing professionals who care about their clients and will do everything they can to get you back on track. Thank you again, Jetwebhackers – you’re the real MVPs!"

    Quickly reach out to JETWEBHACKERS, on their

    EMAIL:jetwebhackers@gmail.com

    TELEGRAM: @jetwebhackers

    • jennifer bryner
  • The real-time solution: Personal loans

    We are a company that has set itself the goal of financially helping all honest people in need who are able to repay us. The loan is completely free, i.e. you do not have to pay anything in advance before you receive the loan. If you are interested, please contact here: promfinances@gmail.com

    You need financing for your house, for your business, for buying a car, for buying a motorcycle, for starting your own business, for your personal needs more than doubts. Personal loans from € 5,000 to € 800,000 at a nominal interest rate of 3%, regardless of the amount. Please indicate in your loan applications the exact amount you need, as well as the duration of the repayment. E-Mail: promfinances@gmail.com

    We offer the following services: We provide entrepreneurs, companies and organizations with the opportunity to receive significant financing such as start-up capital, expansion capital, real estate loans, hotel financing, ship financing, hard currency loans, export financing, acquisitions, letters loan and bank guarantees.

    Our main task is to assist you in obtaining financing from our private, corporate or institutional investors, investment and commercial banks, trusts or other reputable credit institutions. As a leading company in the field of capital raising, our real strength lies in the search methods we have developed as well as in our contacts with many banks, lenders and investors worldwide. This international network of contacts offers customers the best opportunity to get loans or investments approved on favorable terms.

    Contact us for more details: promfinances@gmail.com

    • Maria del carmen