offense

SIN 391. What does the acceptance of God’s mercy require from us? 1846-1848 1870 It requires that we admit our faults and repent of our sins. God himself by his Word and his Spirit lays bare our sins and gives us the truth of conscience and the hope of forgiveness. 392. What is sin? 1849-1851 1871-1872 Sin is “a word, an act, or a desire contrary to the eternal Law” (Saint Augustine). It is an offense against God in disobedience to his love. It wounds human nature and injures human solidarity. Christ in his passion fully revealed the seriousness of sin and overcame it with his mercy. 393. Is there a variety of sins? 1852-1853 1873 There are a great many kinds of sins. They can be distinguished according to their object or according to the virtues or commandments which they violate. They can directly concern God, neighbor, or ourselves. They can also be divided into sins of thought, of word, of deed, or of omission. 394. How are sins distinguished according to their gravity? 1854 A distinction is made between mortal and venial sin.