By Melissa McLaughlin
The Battle
Not again!
Months ago, I promised myself and God that I would stick to my new early morning plan.
My morning goal is to sit down for prayer and Bible reading before even touching the phone, TV, or computer. That day, I only intended to check the weather, but instead, I found myself scrolling through mindless information on my phone. Somehow a quick peek at the weather app became a time waster and a distraction from the God who determines the weather!
I felt disappointed. Falling back into a bad habit. Reaching for my phone instead of my Bible.
Some bad habits or repetitive sins can be tough to break.
Maybe it’s snapping back at the grouchy store clerk. Maybe it’s shouting at the car who cut you off. Maybe it’s choosing foods, drinks, drugs, or ungodly relationships to bring us comfort or affirmation. Maybe it’s prioritizing screen time over the Lord.
Many times we make excuses for our sins. It’s not that bad. Other people do it.
But what is God’s heart on this matter?
God’s Heart
God’s Word tells us that anything not pleasing to Him ultimately separates us from Him (Isaiah 59:2). Though it may sound small, sin can add a great distance between our hearts and God’s heart.
How do we respond to sin?
What do we do with sin? First of all, we remember, that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Thank God, we have a Savior! Though we are saved by our faith in Jesus, we still battle against sin until we are in heaven.
Should we just give up and give in?
God is the One who decides what is right and what is wrong. Yes, we are all sinners, that’s why God sent Jesus. But He asks us to repent of sin, not defend, celebrate, coddle, or make excuses for sin.
When Jesus confronted the woman caught in adultery, He did not condemn her but said go and sin no more (John 8:11). We must say the same to ourselves.
As Jesus’ followers, we are not “sinless,” but we strive to “sin less.” In the Lord’s Prayer or Model Prayer, Jesus taught us to daily confess our sins to the Lord and receive His daily cleansing (Matthew 6:5-15). Asking God to search our hearts and forgive us of sin each day cuts off the power of sin and temptation. Sins that may begin as a foothold are stopped from becoming a stronghold.
In 1 John 1:9 we read, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
This is God’s tender mercy. Confession and repentance set us free from shame and self-condemnation. He washes us clean and we begin anew. Honestly, humbly, gratefully.
May we seek the Lord today with a humble, grateful heart.
As we do, here are 3 prayers of repentance.
3 Prayers of Repentance:
Father God, thank you for loving me and sending Jesus to die for my sins. Lord Jesus, please forgive me for ________ (name it specifically). Thank you for washing me clean. I renounce that sin. I am done with it. I receive your forgiveness and grace. Holy Spirit, show me the way of escape, show me new strategies, show me new steps to take, so I do not repeat this sin. Help me live like Jesus. In His name. Amen.
Jesus, thank you that you came to seek and save the lost. I was once the lost sheep and you left the 99 to come for me. Please forgive me for ________ (name it specifically). Jesus, I know your body was broken for me, and your blood was shed for my sins. Holy Spirit, strengthen me, show me new thought patterns, new pathways so I don’t fall into this same sin again. Help me honor Jesus with my life. In His name. Amen.
Holy Spirit, cleanse me, purify me, prune me. Help me reflect the image of Jesus, to be holy as He is holy. Father God, forgive me for ________ (name it specifically). Thank you for your forgiveness. By the power of your Holy Spirit, I am set free from the chains of sin. Help me make new plans to avoid this sin. Help me find an accountability partner to pray with. Help me say “yes” to the Spirit and “no” to sin. Grow in me a bigger heart for Jesus than I have for the sin that tempts me. I love you, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Do you have a testimony of how you repented and broke free from past sins?
God loves us right where we are, but He loves us too much to leave us where we are.
Special note to my subscribers: I am switching to a new email system for my blog posts. I pray that all my posts are a blessing to you. Thank you for your kind support.
Other articles you might enjoy:
How to Repent – 7 Elements of Repentance by Melissa McLaughlin
The Best of Me by Melissa McLaughlin
For many, many years I was plagued by porn and masturbation addiction. I repented of it far too many times I can count. It just seemed so impossible to break free from it, even though my repentance was true and sincere every time. This must have been going on at least 30 years or so. One day it finally happened. I finally was able to resist the same sins. I fell once more after writing my testimony but repented right away and since then I haven’t fallen in that sin ever again, though I been tempted. Thank You Lord for freing me from that sin. Also thank You Jesus for Your patience, love and faithfulness with me.
Praise God for answering your prayer and setting you free from this sin. Your faithful repentance gave the Lord room to work in your heart. It is such a joy to walk with the Lord and reflect His holiness more and more, day by day. Stay strong in the Lord. There are many who will be encouraged by your testimony.
I am thankful to be able to go to God and repent of my sins. He knows my sins and He loves and forgives me. There is peace and comfort and hope found in God. Have a blessed week! 🙂
I am thankful, too, Melissa. When we come to God in repentance for sins, He lifts our shame and cleanses us with grace. What a loving Father. Have a blessed week!
I strive to “sin less” and greatly look forward to that day when I will be free from this body of sin.
I look forward to that day when we will be free from the presence of all sin, both within and without. Come, Lord Jesus!
These words struck home for me, “But He asks us to repent of sin, not defend, celebrate, coddle, or make excuses for sin.” I’m guilty as charged for making excuses. Thanks for the wonderful prayer examples to help me change my ways. Great encouragement Melissa. Thanks
Amen to this! So many times we are tempted to think “it’s just a little sin” or “I’m not perfect” as if it makes it OK to do what’s wrong in the eyes of God. We truly are not perfect, but as you say, “He asks us to repent of sin, not defend, celebrate, coddle, or make excuses for sin.”
I pray he gives us Grace to repent from our sins
Amen, Washington. We need His grace and His Spirit softening our prideful hearts, so we can acknowledge and repent of our sins. Then we are cleansed and our relationship is restored with our Father God and Savior.
Powerful, Melissa. We often falsely categorize sin as really bad or not so bad. Yet, sin is sin to God, some just have more consequences on this earth. And the Bible says if we know the right thing to do and fail to do it, it is sin to us. James 4:17.
So screen time or anything we put above the Lord is failing to do the right thing I believe. I love this, “God loves us right where we are, but He loves us too much to leave us where we are.” God bless!
A spiritual write-up that gives us the insight that God is very able to pardon our sins if we are truly sorry
To God be the glory and thanksgiving!
He is willing to forgive when we ask. He is mighty to save.