40 Bible Verses About Breaking The Commandments (With Commentary)

We all find ourselves in situations where we stumble and break the commandments. It’s to be expected as we are human, but what matters most to God is our hearts’ response to those mistakes. Repentance is a vital part of our relationship with Him. It’s about recognizing our wrongs, turning away from them, and seeking His forgiveness. When we repent, we are not just saying we’re sorry; we are making a commitment to change and grow. This process helps strengthen our faith and brings us closer to God’s love and grace. We must encourage one another to lean into repentance as a part of our lives, turning back to Him and restoring our hearts to His path.

1 John 1:9

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

Acts 3:19

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” – Acts 3:19

Psalm 51:10

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10

2 Chronicles 7:14

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14

Proverbs 28:13

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” – Proverbs 28:13

The Consequences of Sin

Breaking the commandments has consequences that can affect us deeply. We may experience a disconnection from God, our loved ones, and even our own sense of peace. While we may think that our sins could be hidden or unnoticeable, Scripture reminds us that our actions carry weight. Sin can lead us down a path of destruction and pain, both for ourselves and others. But even amidst these consequences, we should not lose hope. God’s love is more powerful than our failures, and He always invites us back with open arms. It’s crucial to remain vigilant in staying close to God and relying on His strength to overcome temptations and walk in His ways.

James 1:15

“Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” – James 1:15

Romans 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

Galatians 6:7

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” – Galatians 6:7

Ezekiel 18:30

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your offenses, so sin will not be your downfall.” – Ezekiel 18:30

Proverbs 13:15

“Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.” – Proverbs 13:15

The Love of God

Even when we struggle to maintain the commandments or when we fail, we can take comfort in the fact that God’s love is unwavering. His love motivates the very foundation of His commandments. God desires that we live in relationship with Him and bask in His grace. It is through this love that we experience forgiveness and the desire to do better in our lives. By keeping His commandments, we reciprocate that love and allow it to shine through in our actions. Let us remind ourselves that never is there a moment when God stops loving us, and His commandments are the best guide for us to live fulfilling lives that reflect His glory.

Romans 5:8

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

1 John 4:19

“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

Ephesians 2:4-5

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.” – Ephesians 2:4-5

Psalm 136:1

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a beautiful and transformative aspect of our faith that aligns closely with breaking the commandments. When we realize that we have broken a commandment, we often feel the weight of guilt and shame. However, through the power of forgiveness, we can find true freedom. God calls us to forgive others just as He forgives us. This process not only heals our relationship with God but also restores our connections with one another. We must practice forgiveness in our hearts, allowing it to wash over us and lead us back to grace. Remembering the weight of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins enables us to forgive those who may have wronged us, understanding that we all stumble on our journeys.

Matthew 6:14

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14

Luke 6:37

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37

Colossians 3:13

“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13

Mark 11:25

“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” – Mark 11:25

Ephesians 4:32

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

The Call for Obedience

In breaking the commandments, we are challenged to understand the importance of obedience in our lives. Obeying God’s commands means cultivating a heart that values His wisdom and direction. Obedience is not about fear or obligation; rather, it is a joyful response to God’s love for us. By choosing to follow His ways, we develop a lifestyle that reflects Christ and honors God. We can take comfort and inspiration from the role obedience plays in our faith journey. When we align our actions with His teachings, we become a light to those around us and a testimony to the power of His grace. Let’s encourage one another to be obedient followers who strive to live by His commandments.

John 14:15

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” – John 14:15

Deuteronomy 5:33

“You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you.” – Deuteronomy 5:33

1 Samuel 15:22

“And Samuel said, ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'” – 1 Samuel 15:22

James 1:22

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22

Matthew 7:21

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 7:21

Final Thoughts

In our walk with Christ, we may find ourselves breaking the commandments at times. But let us remember the seriousness of these commandments, the power of repentance, and the loving forgiveness that God extends to us. The consequences of our actions serve as reminders of the need for His grace and the importance of His love in our lives. Moreover, we should embrace forgiveness not only for ourselves but also towards others as we cultivate obedience to His teachings. This journey is a reminder that we are always welcomed back into the fold, embracing the love of a gracious God.

As we grow in faith, let’s support one another in our commitment to live by His commandments, knowing that our strength comes from Him. If you wish to explore more about God’s commands and insights, you can read about blessings and curses in Deuteronomy 28:15-68 or learn more about God’s laws in Deuteronomy 10. Together, let’s strive towards a loving relationship with God, where we embrace both His truth and grace.