There is nothing "positive" about it. Sin cuts us off from God (mortal sin cuts us off completely). There can be eternal consequences due to sin. One should never downplay or minimize the effects and reality of sin.
However, Christ came to forgive sin, therefore something positive can come from it (His mercy and love). We are called to ask for forgiveness as well as to forgive and love others, especially great sinners. When we do this, our own sufferings due to sin become more bearable.
As abominable as certain crimes are, as long as the sinner lives, not only can he repent (and this would give immense joy to Angels in heaven), but however stained and filthy (for there is such a thing as moral filth), God’s image is still in him. The Christian message is clear indeed; your love for the sinner is proportionate to your hatred of his sin.
A sincere lover of a “pornographer” sinner for example is the greatest enemy of pornography. In his Purgatory, Dante wrote the following words concerning Malfredi:
Orribili furon li peccati mei
Ma la bonta divina ha si gran braccia
Che prende cio, che si rivolge a lei. (iii, 121 ff)
The message is clear: there are sins which are nothing short of horrible, but God will never turn down a repentant sinner. As a matter of fact, we do not even have to implore for God’s mercy: it is always offered, but the terrible fact is that man can turn it down, preferring damnation to mercy, thus the reality of hell.
Dr. Alice Von Hildebrand
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