God does not regard all sins as of equal magnitude; there are degrees of guilt in His estimation, as well as in that of man; but however trifling this or that wrong act may seem in the eyes of men, no sin is small in the sight of God. Man’s judgment is partial, imperfect; but God estimates all things as they really are. The drunkard is despised, and is told that his sin will exclude him from heaven; while pride, selfishness, and covetousness too often go unrebuked. But these are sins that are especially offensive to God; for they are contrary to the benevolence of His character, to that unselfish love which is the very atmosphere of the unfallen universe. {FLB 60.3}

Gud ser ikke alle synder som af samme størrelse; efter hans vurdering er der er grader af skyld, såvel som mennesker har det; men uanset hvor ubetydelig den eller den fejl kan virke i menneskers øjne, er ingen synd for lille i Guds øjne. Menneskers dømmekraft er partisk og ufuldkommen; men Gud bedømmer alle ting som de virkelig er. Den drukne foragtes, og får at vide at hans synd vil udelukke ham fra himlen; medens stolthed, selviskhed og begærlighed ofte undgår irettesættelse. Men disse synder er en særlig forhånelse mod Gud; for de er stik imod godgørenheden i Hans karakter, mod den uselviske kærlighed som er i atmosfæren i det ufaldne univers.