Wrestling with Sin

In the digital labyrinth of our modern world, self-denial has become an art form. We curate our social media to show our best selves, avoiding the parts that make us uncomfortable. This can also be true in our spiritual lives. The age-old wisdom of the Word, "The truth will set you free" (John 8:32), may be easier to quote than to live by, particularly when we are living in a particular sin. The discomfort of having our imperfections spotlighted is an experience as ancient as humanity itself.

Adam and Eve, the first humans, had it all—paradise, communion with God, and a life free of sin. Yet the moment they disobeyed God by eating from the Tree of Knowledge, they became painfully aware of their transgression and imperfections. Genesis 3:8 tells us, "Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden." Adam and Eve's instinct was to hide, to avoid the presence of God, rather than confront their sin.

This impulse to flee from the light and to cherish darkness is not new. John 3:19 states, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." When we are living in sin, the last thing we want is to be in a place—or with people—who shine a light on those parts of ourselves we'd rather keep hidden.

However, avoidance is not a solution; it is a prison of our own making. It keeps us away from healing and redemption. James 5:16 advises, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." It's not comfortable, but embracing the light is the first step to setting ourselves free from the shackles of sin. To do that, we need to venture out from our self-imposed darkness and seek leaders who will lovingly encourage us to confront our weaknesses.

But how can we move past this resistance to illumination? It starts by acknowledging our humanity and the unconditional love God has for us. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Understand that the light is not there to condemn but to guide and reveal the path to righteousness and peace.

Spiritual growth, like any other form of growth, is often uncomfortable. It means coming face to face with our imperfections and asking for grace. Proverbs 28:13 instructs, "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Recognise the futility of avoidance and remember that the divine light is a beacon of love, forgiveness, and a call to a better life.

Wrestling with Sin

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