When you’re a person of faith, you can live with a sense of shame and guilt, always thinking something is “a sin.” Maybe it was enjoying a lazy Sunday or having a cocktail after work. But here’s the thing: not everything you’ve been guilt-tripped into believing is actually considered a sin, according to the Bible. Many of these so-called “sins” are just misinterpretations or cultural hangups. So, let’s break down 15 things you might feel bad about—but really shouldn’t.
1. Feeling and Unleashing Anger
Anger isn’t inherently a sin; it’s a very human emotion. Even Jesus got angry, like when He flipped tables in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). The Bible doesn’t say you can’t be angry; what it does do is warn you not to let anger control you. Ephesians 4:26 puts it clearly: “In your anger, do not sin.” So next time you’re upset, know that the feeling itself isn’t wrong—what you do with it matters.
2. Doubting Faith in Difficult Times
If you’ve ever doubted your faith or questioned God, congratulations—you’re human. Doubt isn’t a sin; the Bible is full of people who questioned God. Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he saw proof (John 20:24-29). However, Jesus didn’t condemn Thomas for his doubt; instead, He gave him the chance and the space to believe. The Bible encourages you to seek answers and grow in your faith, not blindly follow.
3. Enjoying a Drink
Contrary to popular belief, the Bible doesn’t ban alcohol. Jesus Himself turned water into wine at a wedding (John 2:1-11), and wine was often used in celebrations. While the Bible doesn’t ban alcohol, it does warn against drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18), but it doesn’t say anything but having a glass of wine with dinner. So, if you’re sipping a cocktail responsibly, you can let go of the guilt. It’s not about the drink itself but about maintaining self-control.
4. Heading to the Office on Sunday
Whether answering a work email or taking an urgent call, we’ve most likely all felt guilty at one point or another for working on a Sunday. While many believe Sunday is the Sabbath and a day of rest, the Bible isn’t concerned with what day it is; Romans 14:5-6 says, “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike.” The important thing is finding the time to honor God, which you can do any day and any time.
5. Getting a Tattoo
Most people think they can’t get tattoos based on a single verse in Leviticus (19:28), which says not to mark your body. However, this verse referred to pagan rituals, not tattoos. If your tattoo has personal meaning or is a form of art, it’s hardly a sin. Tattoos are a big decision and mark you forever, but rest assured, you don’t need to feel guilty about sinning because of this choice.
6. Eating and Enjoying Pork
In the Old Testament, there were specific rules about what foods you shouldn’t eat, including pork (Leviticus 11:7-8). But when Jesus came, He made it clear what you eat doesn’t make you unclean (Mark 7:18-19). Peter had a vision in Acts 10, where God had stipulated that people should not call His creations unclean or impure. So, if you’ve been skipping bacon and pork chops out of religious guilt, relax and go ahead and treat yourself.
7. Focusing on Wealth and Material Possessions
There’s a common misconception that being rich is sinful, but the Bible doesn’t condemn having money. Instead, it warns against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10). There’s nothing sinful about being successful or enjoying financial security, but money shouldn’t be idolized and worshipped. Proverbs 10:22 says, “The blessing of the Lord brings wealth.” It’s all about how you use your resources and whether you’re generous with the wealth and success you’ve created.
8. Practicing Self-Love and Prioritizing You
Too much self-love is selfish, but it’s not a sin. The Bible encourages you to love yourself; Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). Extending fair love to your neighbor is tricky if you don’t see yourself as worthy first. Self-love in the form of prioritizing your mental health, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care isn’t sinful—it’s encouraged.
9. Embracing Trends and Dressing Stylishly
You may think that dressing up or wearing trendy clothes is vain or detracts from your faith, but the Bible doesn’t say you can’t look good. 1 Samuel 16:7 says God looks at the heart, not outward appearances. If you’re not dressing in a way that’s provocative or using your looks to manipulate others, then there’s nothing wrong with caring about your appearance and embracing fashion and the latest trends. Wearing things that make you feel your most confident and authentic self is admirable.
10. Listening to Non-Christian Music
Listening to pop, rap, or rock isn’t a sin. The Bible doesn’t dictate what kind of music you can listen to. Philippians 4:8 encourages you to focus on things pure, lovely, and praiseworthy—but that doesn’t mean every song you listen to has to be Christian-focused. Like tattoos, the music we listen to is a form of expression and can be enjoyed in many ways as long as it doesn’t negatively influence our actions or mindset.
11. Indulging in Your Caffeine Fix
Some ultra-strict religious circles might tell you caffeine is a sin because it’s a “stimulant,” but there’s no biblical basis for banning coffee. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” If a morning cup of coffee helps you start your day and be your best self, there’s no need to feel guilty or fret that you’re sinning. Drink up.
12. Playing Video Games
Playing video games doesn’t go against any biblical teachings. While the Bible doesn’t mention video games, it does talk about balance. Proverbs 25:16 says, “If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.” The takeaway here is that moderation is key. You can enjoy playing video games as long as they don’t become an obsession that takes over your life. There’s no sin in having fun and relaxing, as long as it’s in balance with other aspects of your life.
13. Being Ambitious and Goal Oriented
Despite what others may have told you, having big dreams and working hard to achieve them is not sinful. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” It’s okay to strive for success and be proud of your achievements. Where the sin lies is making ambition your sole focus or stepping on others to get ahead. Staying humble and protecting your values as you achieve success is what counts.
14. Socializing and Having Harmless Fun
Believe it or not, some believe too much laughter and fun is sinful. But Ecclesiastes 3:4 says there’s “a time to weep and a time to laugh.” God didn’t create you to live a joyless life. Jesus attended weddings and other celebrations, and Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine.” There is no sin in enjoying the company of others and having a good time; it’s what makes your soul sing.
15. Skipping Church Occasionally
Skipping church once in a while isn’t the unforgivable sin some make it out to be. Hebrews 10:25 encourages believers to meet together, but it’s not about attendance for attendance’s sake. Church is a tight-knit community, and though it’s important and enriching to connect with fellow believers, missing a Sunday is not a sin. Whether you’re traveling or need rest, taking a Sabbath for yourself will not send you into spiritual exile. Faith is about practicing a good relationship with God, not ticking a box.