“Whenever I hear a pastor preach in church about repentance of sin, I am convicted to stop sinning, but once I leave church I can’t seem to help it! Will God still forgive me if I continue sinning?” – Trying
dear Trying,
Being stuck in the cycle of sin and not being able to get out is not a pleasant experience, but you are not alone! As fallen beings, the temptation to sin will always be present, and we are very much in need of God to help us resist temptation. It’s good to hear that you have been convicted time and again to repent and stop sinning, but that’s not enough — choose to act on it as well! The good news is that you don’t struggle alone. God has given us the Holy Spirit to not only convict us — just as He has already convicted you! — but also help us overcome sin.
1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” We believe that God in His goodness will forgive you when you truly repent, but that grace cannot be taken for granted. You can take the active step of obedience in walking away from sin and walking towards God. We encourage you to find a Christian leader you trust and share this struggle you face. This leader can keep you accountable, pray for you, and cheer you on when you feel tempted.
Don’t give up or be discouraged — the process of purification does not happen overnight. It takes time and requires the daily choice of turning away from desires that do not honour God and obeying His word instead. You are an overcomer!
“Every year on Valentine’s Day my friends get gifts or confessions from boys, but no boy has ever liked me before. I feel ugly and unwanted. Will someone ever like me?” – Insecure
dear Insecure,
We understand how awful it must be to feel left out on a day many people connect with romantic love. It can seem like a big deal now, but we want to assure you that not receiving gifts and expressions of love on Valentine’s Day does not mean that you are less worthwhile than those who do. You are desired and cherished by the Lord, and that’s where the best kind of confidence comes from (1 John 3:1)!
We also believe that you can trust God to bring the right guy into your life in His perfect timing — someone whose affections do not just last as long as Valentine’s Day, but who will love you and lead you closer to Christ.
