Why am I focusing so much on the "S" word? Have you heard the expression "Depression Hurts?"Well, "Sin Hurts." It hurts us, and it hurts those around us. We need to take a look at sin, the consequences of it (depression and such) and what to do about it. We need to fall in step with God's word and become spiritually healthy and lifted up. Then we need to change the world! With hidden sin and secrets within, we will not reach our goals.

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

The definition for sin is to miss the mark and so not to share in the prize. Verses 1 & 2 say don't miss the mark, but if you do miss the mark, Jesus is our atonement, and not just ours, but atonement for the sins of the whole world.

Verses 3 & 4 say if we know Him, we keep His commandments. His commandments are to love our God and love our neighbor. We are also commanded to forgive so that our sins may be forgiven.

Therefore, I believe this sin John keeps referring to is unforgiveness. If we fail to believe Jesus is the atonement for our sins, we don't forgive ourselves. If we fail to believe He is the atonement for the sins of others, we don't forgive them. Believing in Him gives us the ability to forgive. Forgiving, gives us the ability to love. Walking in forgiveness and love is the cure for depression, anxiety, a host of other mental illness AND physical illness as well. Walking in forgiveness and love will give us a share in the prize.