The Ultimate Power Against Sin

Love will make you do some CRAZY things!

Let's discuss.....

There's times, we struggle to stop committing certain sins, and it might seem like a self-control issue.

Well, the truth is, it's really about the heart.

Leaving behind the sins we enjoy doesnt just come from self-discipline; this type of sacrifice is fueled by our deep love for God. This love is the power behind it all.

We avoid sin because we LOVE God.

We follow God's commands because we LOVE Him.

We sacrifice what we want to do or have, even our promises, because we LOVE God.

LOVE is the fuel and power that causes us to live righteously.

LOVE breaks the cycles of sin.

Look at these examples:

Parents, remember when you had your first child? Did it require learning self-control to put your child's needs before your own? No, it was the overwhelming love for your baby that changed your habits, made you mature, and turned you into a selfless parent. Instantly!
Now, think about Jesus. He left the glory of Heaven, endured unimaginable suffering and death, all because of His love for us. At the peak of His suffering, it was His love for us and His Father that fueled His obedience.

Some sins linger because our LOVE is lacking. Let's be honest; sometimes, we just don't love God enough.

Here's the good news:

Instead of beating yourself up over stubborn sin, ask God to fill your heart with LOVE for Him.

Admit that the love is lacking.

Ask Him to show you personally why He deserves all of your heart.

There's no shame in acknowledging where you are.

The sooner you do, the faster the issues can be resolved.

Don't focus on the sin, you cant stop sinning on your own. Especially the sins that you're addicted to. Focus on the root of the problem. Once you fall in LOVE with God, it will completely change your lifestyle.

Sacrifice won't be a struggle. Stopping sin won't be a struggle. Laying down your life won't be a struggle. Choosing God will be easy. LOVE is the power behind sacrifice. LOVE is the power behind obedience. LOVE is the power behind dying to yourself. LOVE is the power behind living holy! Most importantly, LOVE gives us the determination to be better, to seek help, to WANT to please God.

With LOVE for God, the power of sin is destroyed. Life is better. You are free. And God is pleased.

Lets pray:

Father, we don't want to do things out of fear, selfishness, or self-righteousness. We just want to live right because we love you. Our love for you makes our sacrifices holy and acceptable. When we struggle with sin, show us where we're falling short in our love for you. Show us what we don't know about you.

God, we want to be the kind of people you're happy with, the ones you can count on and be proud of. We want a genuine relationship with you where being obedient isn't hard but actually enjoyable. We don't want to give up sin grudgingly; we want to do it happily and willingly, knowing you deserve even more than what you ask of us. Your requirements are NOTHING compared to what you have given us.

Help us find the beauty in you. For real!

Give us an experience with you that changes us forever. Fill us with a love that makes saying no to sin EASY. You deserve a real relationship with us, one where we WANT to love you, not one we're forced into. So, we trust you to come into our lives and show us who you really are. Once we've seen and experienced that, we can't stay the same. Keep us from the same cycles of sin by filling our hearts with love for You.

In the POWERFUL name of Jesus. Amen.

Meditate on these scriptures and make the connection to this word:

John 5:3 - "In fact, this is LOVE for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome."

John 3:16 - "For God so LOVED the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Matthew 22:37 - "Jesus replied: ‘LOVE the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'"

James 1:12 - "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who LOVE Him."