Biblical Answer

The Bible does not explicitly label anxiety as a sin. However, the Bible does connect anxiety with the concept of sin. Anxiety is described as a state of mind that arises from a sense of finitude and freedom, and is seen as a manifestation of pride and self-exaltation. According to Reinhold Niebuhr, anxiety is the internal description of the human situation, which is characterized by the paradox of freedom and finitude.

In the Bible, anxiety is often associated with the concept of fear, which is seen as a necessary ingredient in right living. However, this fear is not the same as anxiety, which is seen as a state of mind that is characterized by overconcern and fretfulness. Jesus teaches that anxiety is not a necessary part of living a faithful life, and that it can actually be a hindrance to spiritual growth. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches that anxiety is not a helpful emotion, and that it cannot provide what we need.

In contrast to anxiety, the Bible teaches that fear of God is a necessary ingredient in right living. The Bible describes the fear of God as a reverence for God's holiness and a recognition of our own sinfulness. This fear is seen as a motivator for obedience and a source of comfort and strength. In Psalm 15:1-2, the Bible describes the person who walks uprightly and works righteousness as the one who can dwell in God's holy hill. This suggests that a fear of God that leads to obedience and righteousness is a positive and necessary aspect of the Christian life. Therefore, while anxiety is not explicitly labeled as a sin in the Bible, it is seen as a negative emotion that can be a hindrance to spiritual growth, and is contrasted with a positive fear of God that leads to obedience and righteousness.