Are "fruits" of a lie a continuation of sin?

[HoosierGal]

If someone lies, and this lie causes them to receive money in the future, is the receipt of the money also a sin? Or if after they lie, they confess to the lie, is the entire situation forgiven? If not, is it less of a sin if they do good with the money? (That is, they did not seek and receive the money out of greed, but out of the need to help others.) If they confess to receiving money due to a lie, will they be forgiven? Or do they have to give the money back first? Thanks!

 

[purplesunshine]

The commandment is not “thou shalt not lie” but “thou shalt not bear false witness”

it is only the dr.'s of the church, not God, who explain that lying is a sin.

I would also take into account the seriousness of what you did. If you said. “Man, I’m starving and I don’t have any money,” when infact you have $20 in your wallet (but you don’t want to spend it becuase it’s for church…and your buddy gives you $5 for burger it’s a simple lie.

However, if you said that an old lady hit you with her car, that was a lie…and the insurance gave you a $10,000 pay out, you have an obligation to make it better for that woman…since you DID break a commandment.You falsely testified that she did a wrong.

 

[I_love_rocks]

I believe you nailed it. The fruits of a lie are the continuation of a sin. In the fullness of time, the good works and sin throughout all of human history reach their fullness and are judged in the final judgment. Look how long the protestant schism (dividing the Body of Christ) has lasted and it is not yet finished. I would suggest to return the money, no matter the amount. Purple sunshine is correct. The amount does affect the gravity. But I would add that it does not affect the actuality, and no sin is private. It affects the entire body of Christ. You’re sorry. You went to reconciliation. Interrupt the cycle. You cannot do good with what is not yours. God looks at every single thing we do. We must walk in integrity, and in the light of God’s grace, in the big things and every little thing. We all fall. We all fail. We correct. This is an opportunity for you to correct what God has already forgiven. So just return it and in doing so, tell God the money and your reputation are not your god, He is your God. And it hurts, so my prayers are with you. Be of great courage. I’m proud of you for making the right choice. Continue on in right choices and receive the peace that flows from God as a result. God bless you abundantly.

 

[wild_thing]

If someone lies, and this lie causes them to receive money in the future, is the receipt of the money also a sin? Or if after they lie, they confess to the lie, is the entire situation forgiven? If not, is it less of a sin if they do good with the money? (That is, they did not seek and receive the money out of greed, but out of the need to help others.) If they confess to receiving money due to a lie, will they be forgiven? Or do they have to give the money back first? Thanks!

With the example you gave I would think you would have to confess the lie and make restitution for that lie, which would be giving the money back. Because in sense you stole that money and before you can be forgiven, you have to make right the wrong you had done. It might be a little less of a sin to do something good with the money- I don’t know- but you still received the money by a falsehood, and it is tainted by that lie no matter what. I’d run it by a priest.