When innocence meets pain, Scripture reveals a deeper truth about the sting of sin.
One beautiful Fourth of July weekend, a thousand-mile road trip finally arrived — a trip Jeffrey and his family had planned six months earlier. When they pulled into his parents’ driveway, the twins were the first ones out of the vehicle. Without hesitation, Michelle‑Lay and her brother Maurice rushed toward the porch, excited to see their grandparents waiting with open arms and warm smiles of joy.
After hugs, kisses, and a little small talk, the twins were eager to explore the large yard. Jeffrey’s parents lived in a rural area surrounded by farm animals, and the kids loved every moment of it.
About an hour passed, and the twins were having the time of their lives. Oh, the beauty of youth — full of innocence, untouched until the world’s sinful culture begins to contaminate it. Then, out of nowhere, a large wasp appeared and stung Maurice multiple times. His left arm instantly swelled, darkened, and throbbed with pain. The joyful scene shifted in a moment. Michelle‑Lay began to cry as her brother flinched and held his arm. The wasp’s sting left both children shaken.
The Bible also speaks of a “sting.” 1 Corinthians 15:56 (NKJV) says, “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.”
Genesis 3 shows us how sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience. Sin carries massive power — it is the sting behind death, and the law of God reveals its seriousness.
Romans 6:23 (NKJV) declares, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Sin is never overlooked. It always has consequences, and God will judge every sinful act. Habakkuk 1:13 reminds us that God’s eyes are too pure to look upon evil; He cannot tolerate wrongdoing.
Humanity owed a debt it could never pay because of sin. No man was able — not one. Therefore, Jesus Himself left heaven out of His great love to die on the cross. Because sin requires blood and death, Jesus willingly bore our sins, shed His blood, and died so that we might receive eternal life by God’s grace through faith in His Son.
There are two types of death: physical death and spiritual death. Do everything in your power — make every effort — not to be separated from God.
John 3:16 (NKJV) reminds us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”