Articles
Overcoming The Struggles of Sin
Have you ever wondered why we respond to certain situations the way we do? The humanity within us all will challenge us some days to do or say good things, or to do or say bad things. Even the mature and strong Christian will face days that are a challenge to keep from committing sin, whether by speech or by action.
During periods of stress or illness, if the human body does not get sufficient rest, it will begin to take it’s toll. When the body is run down and tired, our emotions begin to run higher and we can become irritable, short tempered, and can say or do some irrational things.
Of course, this doesn’t give us the right to commit sin. I can’t think of any Scripture that tells us it’s okay to commit sin. Rather Paul asks twice in Romans 6, “what, shall we sin because we are under grace” (vs. 1, 15). What I am saying is that we all will stumble on occasion.
However, God in His infinite wisdom, has made a provision for us even during our times of weakness. God understands that we will have moments of weaknesses. That was part of Jesus, as God, experiencing the trials and weaknesses of life as a human being. The Hebrew writer teaches us that “we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb 4: 15)
We can’t have the attitude of “that’s just the way I am, and God will forgive me.” If we develop that attitude, it won’t be long until we become calloused to sin. We need to remember the cost of that sin was the blood of Jesus. We need to be reminded that the cost of that sin didn’t come lightly.
An attitude of humility and repentance are the proper response when coming to grips with our sin. That attitude will cause us to seek the forgiveness once again offered by our heavenly Father. The apostle John sums it up in his letter, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10)
While the struggles of this life continue daily, we know that some days will be good and others will be a true test of our self control and willpower. It is a comforting feeling to know that those who obey the word of God from the heart will always have a heavenly Father that is willing to forgive when we fall short, if we are willing to acknowledge, repent, confess and strive to overcome those sins.
