Hating The Sins We Love
Does 1 Corinthians 2:9 (ESV) make you excited about heaven?
What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.
Me too!
Yet, if we’re honest, we might fear the dying process, even though we don’t fear death itself (because of the new life we’ll live for eternity). We hope that when our time comes, we’ll die peacefully rather than suffer a long, lingering death.
Let’s take this same thought about dying and apply it in a spiritual context.
When we fight an unrelenting temptation, we enter a season (sometimes a long, drawn-out one) of suffering until we finally die to that desire or behavior. Once we’re free of a behavior that isn’t God-honoring, such as an addictions, sexual immorality, or even a “lesser” sin like gossip, we can live differently.
Second Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) tells us,
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
- “In Christ” refers to someone who has placed their trust in Him as their Savior.
- “Savior” means Someone (Jesus) Who paid the penalty for our sins on the cross, thereby saving us from the control of sin – and eternity in Hell.
During this week and every week after, would you consider confessing to God (Who powerfully loves you) a specific area you’re struggling with and asking Him to help you die to it? To separate your sinful passions from your heart so your heart can passionately desire God’s ways instead?
Ask Him to give you a glimpse of what “the new” looks like?
Dying to bad habits or sinful behavior (which, if we were honest, we love) is painful. It doesn’t have to be a long process, though, especially when we share our struggle with an accountability partner or a small group. These people will help us keep our eyes on our Savior, even when all hell breaks loose. As a bonus, a marvelous bond forms when we partner with others who also want to live uncompromisingly for Christ.
What one sin or bad habit will you ask God to help you with this week? What sin will you finally hate enough to put to death by the power of the living Christ who dwells within you?
Because we are a new creation, we are free to live a new life in Christ. And we look forward to an eternity so incredible that it is beyond our imagination.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
- Will you confess to God a sinful or bad habit and allow His Holy Spirit to help you break free from it – once and for all?
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Ask God to give you a glimpse of what “the new” looks like.
Another great message.
There is one sinful habit that I’ve prayed about but I just can’t seem to rid myself of it.
I almost feel like a judge and jury with this sinful habit. My husband actually started it and I’m carrying on the habit. I have to make more effort through prayers. Prayers for this evening.
Thank you for sharing this so honestly. I’m grateful you’re praying about this struggle — that’s already evidence that God is working in your heart. Some habits take time to break, especially when they’ve been part of our lives for a long while or were modeled for us by someone we love. But please don’t be discouraged. God sees your desire to honor Him, and He will help you take the next step.
Ask Him to show you what’s underneath the habit and invite Him into those moments when you feel tempted to continue it. Even small steps of obedience matter. And remember: His grace is not only for forgiveness — it’s also for change. I’m praying with you today that He strengthens you, encourages you, and gives you the courage to keep moving forward.
If you’d ever like to talk more about this privately, I’m here.
And thank you, Sandra, for remembering to pray for me while I share my testimony at River of Life. I so appreciate it.
With Jesus we are a new creation, so our Creator will help in our weakness where it comes to our sin. “and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Colossians 3:10. “We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” Roman’s 6:6. “Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19. He will make all things new! We can depend in the One who created us to make ALL things new! “And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.” Revelation 21:5. He will do it when you give it to Him! Thanks Sheryl! ✝️
Kim, thank you for sharing these powerful verses. You’ve woven together such a beautiful reminder of what God has already done — and what He continues to do in us.
I LOVE ALL the verses you shared with us, Kim. Thank you for your faithfulness in doing so each week.