We tend to always think we have to do something to be loved. Whether it be getting good grades, buying gifts, offering something valuable…etc. I guess it’s just the way it is seen in society. However, we sometimes carry this same mindset when we come to Christ. We try so hard to please him or act in a certain type of way that isn’t our normal self. I mean there’s nothing wrong with wanting to please God of course. Where it becomes a problem is when we condemn ourselves when we don’t do something right.

It really took getting told off by God during my quiet time to realise that I’ve actually been trying too hard. He said “Sharon you need to realise that you can’t do anything to make me love you more than I do. Stop trying so hard to please me.”

Let’s face it, we all have things we struggled or struggle with as believers. Whether it being still battling with old addictions such as smoking, lying, stealing, masturbating, sleeping around, drinking, clubbing…etc.  Or struggling with anger, jealousy, pride, self-control…etc.

“Oh no, not again. I fell again Lord. I feel terrible, I promised it won’t happen again. I feel too unclean to come into your presence”.

This is what most of us say/feel after we’ve fallen. We tend to delay going to God for forgiveness and that’s exactly what the enemy wants. The more you delay going to God, the more the enemy shall put guilt in you and make you feel condemned. We must understand that God is a forgiving God. Yes he wants us to be holy for he is holy, but when we go wrong he welcomes us back with opened arms. We should definitely strive to stay pure and out of sin as believers but we need to know that God loves us no matter what. We follow his commandments because we love him, not because we want to be loved by him. God is love, he already loves us, that’s why he sent his son to die for us.

Please know that being a believer demands constant progression not perfection. We cannot progress until we depend solely on God. We actually cannot overcome flaws and temptations by ourselves. So enough of saying “I promise it won’t happen again”. Don’t let pride make you believe you can change by yourself. Rather humble yourself & pray to God to help you to be like him.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Also, if you feel like you’re the only Christian still struggling with sin then I want to assure you that you ain’t. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. (1 Corinthians 10:13). Some believers pretend like everything’s fine with them and like they have no flaws instead of seeking for help. You never know, if you open up to a brother/sister in Christ, they might’ve been through the same thing you are in and therefore be able to advice and pray for you. Please don’t keep quiet about it. Get an accountability/prayer partner.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

I pray that you will rest in Gods arms and just embrace his unconditional love for you. Keep seeking him and he will turn your sins which are like scarlet into white as snow. Always remember, you are an expression of God’s grace.

Ps. Happy New Year! May God give you all your heart desires according to his will. May you be filled with more joy and strength in Jesus’ name.