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The distinction between sin and weakness is important to understand the enabling or strengthening power of the atonement. Sin results from the wrong choices we make when faced with temptation. Sin is a choice to do wrong when we know what is right (see Romans 3:20; 5:13). God does not encourage or give us sin. Moroni makes the important distinction between sin and weakness by clearly stating, “I give unto men weakness that they may be humble” (Ether 12:27). We can’t imagine a prophet saying “God gives unto men sin.” In fact, Elder Russell M. Ballard taught that “…the Lord gives us weaknesses-- not sin but weaknesses-- so that we may be humble…if you will but humble yourselves and turn to Them, Their grace, Their enabling power can not only help you throw off the chains of sin but actually turn your weaknesses into strengths” (BYU Speeches March 3, 2002). This distinction helps us see that overcoming weakness is not necessarily the same thing as overcoming sin. Weakness seems to be a part of the human nature inherent in mortality. This weakness is felt as we experience temptation, trial, suffering, or the challenge of spiritual tasks or progression. But it is not sin.
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