A sentiment is an attitude toward or a feeling or emotion about. The word sentiment is derived from the Latin word sentire, “to feel.” Sentimental persons are persons prone to feelings of sadness or nostalgia, and often the feelings are exaggerated and self-indulgent.
Christmas isn’t the only feelings-dominant time, but it sets a warning for those who would rather indulge in sentiment than avoid sin.
- It is not a sin not to get what you asked for Christmas, it is a sin to pout and feel unthankful for what you did get (Ephesians 5:20).
- It is not a sin that you couldn’t persuade others to play your party games, it is a sin to be rude to them (1 Corinthians 13:5).
- It is not a sin to be forsaken, it is a sin to feel forsaken by lying (to yourself) about those around you (Elijah in 1 Kings 19).
- It is not a sin to be alone, it is a sin to compensate for lonely feelings with unrighteousness choices (think Jane’s choice to continue loving a Rochester even after finding out that he’s already married Jane Eyre).
- It is not a sin to be misunderstood, it is a sin to feel misunderstood when someone corrects you and you weren’t ready for it.
- It is not a sin to starve to death, it is a sin to prostitute yourself (think Fantine in Les Mis).
- It is not a sin to be childless, it is a sin to take a woman who isn’t your wife (think Abram with Hagar).
- It is not a sin to be sinned against, it is a sin to feel that you are above being treated like men treated Jesus.
Self-control is for your feelings, feelings should not be in control of your self. Sentiment must not surpass Scripture standards. You’ll feel better about Christmas when you direct your feelings in the way they should go.