Rules for Determining the Gravity of Sins

To determine, as far as possible, the degree of gravity of sins, one must pay attention to who is sinning, against whom, under what circumstances, and especially with what disposition. Namely, sin becomes more grave the more the one committing it: 1) is obligated to lead a virtuous life and is able to influence others. For this reason, for example, the sins of a pastor, who ought to be an example to others, deserve more serious punishment than similar sins of a layperson; 2) the more worthy of love, respect, or compassion is the one against whom he sins. Obviously one offends a benefactor more grievously than one who offends another neighbor; 3) the more evil results to himself or to other people from his evil deed; 4) the more by circumstances he should have refrained from sin and the less cause he had for it. Thus, for example, to commit sin in the temple of God is far more sinful than to commit it elsewhere. Finally: 5) the more clearly he understands the gravity of sin and the more willingly he surrenders to it; for example, for the same sin an enlightened person should be guiltier before God than an uneducated one. However, one must remember that to determine which sins are grave and which are light is beyond human power. This knowledge belongs to God alone, Who examines the heart and the inmost being and sees all the consequences of our actions. To avoid grave sins, one must avoid even light ones: “whoever despises small things will gradually fall away.” (Sir. 19:1)