Why do believers struggle with sin?

Growing up near a church or with a pretty convicted family can be hard on our mental health. In my case, however, I have gathered the best and thrown out the worst, whether for worse or for better, I am not so entirely sure. Truth is, fear of God is one of the most important things to have, but if we were to say we’re all perfect sheep, that’d be a lie. We all struggle with a certain sin, from time to time, or even throughout our lives, because we are not perfect, and our nature is not one that directly obliges God’s words. But, by being imperfect, does that mean we’re all destined to hell.

I wondered that thought when I was younger, not understanding many things, being fearful of approaching God if I’d had a bad thought. And that is naive, to think of now. Except, the majority of that fear of hell installed into us is by those in high positions or in our house hold, not knowing that that feeling by itself goes against what the Bible says. Let me explain.

Fear for God is a good thing. Not doing or acting how we want (whether in greed, deceit, etc) in fear of what the consequences will be, that is fear of God. And I believe following God’s commandments steam from a love that only intends to give back to what He has given us already. But, not doing what we want because we only want the good ticket once we’re gone is mediocre. Being afraid of hell, not of God, is a common mistake in the community. And I understand it, too.

Anyway, back to my original point, we’re driven to believe since we’re little that, as believers, we should educate ourselves never to trespass the word of God. And that could be true, if our intentions with him are pure and not mere convinience, but even so, we are sinners, and we continue to sin. Perhaps your sin isn’t as evident as the one I struggle with, but none of us goes a day without sinning, I believe. And that’s okay, in both ways.

First way, if you don’t know you’re committing a sin, it is a type of ‘ignorance’, yes, (Hebrews 10:26), but we cannot be entirely judged by God, because with that ignorance, the intent of sinning is eliminated, and that’s what drives sin: intent, knowledge to do what’s against the word. The second, the sin itself is followed by guilt, which is some of the penance we do in this world. What I’m trying to say is, whether we commit sin knowingly or not, the sin is there, it is a transgression against God, and makes us ‘unworthy’ of his forgiveness, if He were human. However, a God of love does not hold one accountable after repentance, and is willing to forgive and love perfectly.

So, therefore, if you have any sin you’re struggling with, know I am too, and there is nothing unnatural about it. Sin is common, in the world we live in, and as long as we repent and take steps to not do it again, if our repentance is true and meant in our hearts, God promises to turn it from scarlet to white. He is a forgiver, and we are forgiven for every of our sins, because he paid for our live with Jesus’, and our life was designed with the knowledge we were not perfect, that we’d lose our way, and yet, He still loved us.

Here are a few verses as testament to that:

• Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

• Psalm 32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

• Matthew 6: 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

• 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
  

And finally, my favorite

• Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."

So there you have it. No matter your sin, if you turn away and affront it before God, you will be saved. God’s love and forgiveness isn’t something you earn. It was given to you, with His foreknowledge you were bound to choose wrong some time or another. And that’s why He loves you PERFECTLY.

Turn from sin, or try to, ask God for help through it, deliverance. Know God does not shame you, because your intentions in seeking him are pure, and nor does he turn away someone who asks for knowledge. He is patient, loving, and kind. Your sin shouldn’t be stopped because you’re afraid of burning, but because you love him so that you don’t want to anger or upset him.

I hope this motivates someone / eliminates that shame I certainly feel sometimes. God loves YOU!

Thank you for reading

Profuse greetings, mel.