Hello.

MysticalMiracle · Apr 14, 2024

Hello everyone. I was a catholic up until the age of 18. From that point on, I strayed away from the faith for five years. During my period of nonbelief, I was struggling with a particular sin. I recently came back to believing in God again because I could no longer deny the truth that I needed Him - the sin I was engaged in was destroying me and my atheistic worldview was depressing me. I repented of my actions and I'm making it a habit of reading the Bible everday. I'm now looking to repair my relationship with God. How do I go about doing this?

maintenance man · Apr 14, 2024

Welcome to CF! Thanks for sharing your story. Your relationship with God is all about staying in the Word, prayer, and serving Him by serving others. Many blessings!

Christoph Maria · Apr 14, 2024

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AlexB23 · Apr 14, 2024

MysticalMiracle said:
Hello everyone. I was a catholic up until the age of 18. From that point on, I strayed away from the faith for five years. During my period of nonbelief, I was struggling with a particular sin. I recently came back to believing in God again because I could no longer deny the truth that I needed Him - the sin I was engaged in was destroying me and my atheistic worldview was depressing me. I repented of my actions and I'm making it a habit of reading the Bible everday. I'm now looking to repair my relationship with God. How do I go about doing this?

Hello MysticalMiracle, it's great to hear that you have returned to your faith in God and are seeking to repair your relationship with Him. I would be happy to help guide you through this process from a Catholic perspective using relevant Biblical verses. We are almost the same age, both in our 20s. I have to be honest to you: I am not that good at finding verses to help other people, so I sometimes rely on an privately run AI on my laptop to find verses for me, and then I verify the verses with a Bible. Technology is a double edged sword, but it is best that we use it for good. But there was a guy who may or may not become a patron saint of technology, named Blessed Carlo Acutis.

First and foremost, it's important to understand that God is always waiting for us with open arms, ready to forgive us when we turn back to Him. While we do not have to sacrifice cows anymore, Jesus died for us to forgive us of our sins. The Bible tells us in the Book of Luke (15:20-24): "And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate."

This story illustrates the mercy and forgiveness of God, who welcomes us back with open arms no matter how far we may have strayed. By acknowledging our sins and asking for forgiveness, we can begin the process of repairing our relationship with Him.

Another important aspect of this process is making amends for any harm we have caused and seeking to live a life in line with God's commandments. The Bible tells us in the Book of James (2:17): "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." In other words, our faith must be accompanied by good works and a desire to live a virtuous life.

Additionally, prayer (meditating on God) and reading the Bible regularly can help us grow closer to God and deepen our faith. The Bible tells us in the Book of Psalms (119:148): "My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise." By making these practices a regular part of our lives, we can continue to grow in our relationship with God.

I hope this information is helpful to you, MysticalMiracle, and that it provides some guidance as you seek to repair your relationship with God. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any further questions or if there is anything else I can help with. May God bless you on your spiritual journey.

d taylor · Apr 14, 2024

MysticalMiracle said:
Hello everyone. I was a catholic up until the age of 18. From that point on, I strayed away from the faith for five years. During my period of nonbelief, I was struggling with a particular sin. I recently came back to believing in God again because I could no longer deny the truth that I needed Him - the sin I was engaged in was destroying me and my atheistic worldview was depressing me. I repented of my actions and I'm making it a habit of reading the Bible everday. I'm now looking to repair my relationship with God. How do I go about doing this?

-

First being a catholic, baptist, methodist, presbyterian means nothing if you have never believed in Jesus for God free gift of Eternal Life. That is the only way a person can become a permanent born again child of God. Then i would suggest to seek out a church that correctly teaches The Bible, but in this day and age that can be a hard task.

MysticalMiracle · Apr 14, 2024

AlexB23 said:
Hello MysticalMiracle, it's great to hear that you have returned to your faith in God and are seeking to repair your relationship with Him. I would be happy to help guide you through this process from a Catholic perspective using relevant Biblical verses. We are almost the same age, both in our 20s. I have to be honest to you: I am not that good at finding verses to help other people, so I sometimes rely on an privately run AI on my laptop to find verses for me, and then I verify the verses with a Bible. Technology is a double edged sword, but it is best that we use it for good. But there was a guy who may or may not become a patron saint of technology, named Blessed Carlo Acutis.

First and foremost, it's important to understand that God is always waiting for us with open arms, ready to forgive us when we turn back to Him. While we do not have to sacrifice cows anymore, Jesus died for us to forgive us of our sins. The Bible tells us in the Book of Luke (15:20-24): "And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate."

This story illustrates the mercy and forgiveness of God, who welcomes us back with open arms no matter how far we may have strayed. By acknowledging our sins and asking for forgiveness, we can begin the process of repairing our relationship with Him.

Another important aspect of this process is making amends for any harm we have caused and seeking to live a life in line with God's commandments. The Bible tells us in the Book of James (2:17): "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." In other words, our faith must be accompanied by good works and a desire to live a virtuous life.

Additionally, prayer (meditating on God) and reading the Bible regularly can help us grow closer to God and deepen our faith. The Bible tells us in the Book of Psalms (119:148): "My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise." By making these practices a regular part of our lives, we can continue to grow in our relationship with God.

I hope this information is helpful to you, MysticalMiracle, and that it provides some guidance as you seek to repair your relationship with God. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any further questions or if there is anything else I can help with. May God bless you on your spiritual journey.

Hello AB23, thank you for your response! I find the Parable of the Lost Son reassuring. It gives me hope for the future in having my relationship restored and not just being merely restored, but stronger than it was before. Pertaining to good works, I do like volunteering whether that's beautifying a park or delivering meals to the elderly. I wasn't engaged in the Bible back then, but now I will make reading God's word a daily practice in order to know Him.

AlexB23 · Apr 14, 2024

MysticalMiracle said:
Hello AB23, thank you for your response! I find the Parable of the Lost Son reassuring. It gives me hope for the future in having my relationship restored and not just being merely restored, but stronger than it was before. Pertaining to good works, I do like volunteering whether that's beautifying a park or delivering meals to the elderly. I wasn't engaged in the Bible back then, but now I will make reading God's word a daily practice in order to know Him.

You are welcome, friend in Christ. But remember, faith comes first before works. For instance, if someone does not have the means to drive to a food shelter or deliver meals, God is understanding, as faith in Jesus takes precedence. Thank you for trusting in the Parable of the Lost Son.

MysticalMiracle · Apr 14, 2024

d taylor said:
-

First being a catholic, baptist, methodist, presbyterian means nothing if you have never believed in Jesus for God free gift of Eternal Life. That is the only way a person can become a permanent born again child of God. Then i would suggest to seek out a church that correctly teaches The Bible, but in this day and age

maintenance man said:
Welcome to CF! Thanks for sharing your story. Your relationship with God is all about staying in the Word, prayer, and serving Him by serving others. Many blessings!

Thank you maintenance man! Great blessings to you as well.

Michie · Apr 14, 2024

MysticalMiracle said:
Hello everyone. I was a catholic up until the age of 18. From that point on, I strayed away from the faith for five years. During my period of nonbelief, I was struggling with a particular sin. I recently came back to believing in God again because I could no longer deny the truth that I needed Him - the sin I was engaged in was destroying me and my atheistic worldview was depressing me. I repented of my actions and I'm making it a habit of reading the Bible everday. I'm now looking to repair my relationship with God. How do I go about doing this?

Hello and welcome! Sounds like you’ve already started.

if you’d like to discuss this from a Catholic pov, you can visit the Catholic forum. One Bread, One Body - Catholic

I look forward to seeing you around. :wave:

Pop D. · Apr 14, 2024

Trust in Him, no matter bleak it gets.

Bobber · Apr 14, 2024

MysticalMiracle said:
Hello everyone. I was a catholic up until the age of 18. From that point on, I strayed away from the faith for five years. During my period of nonbelief, I was struggling with a particular sin. I recently came back to believing in God again because I could no longer deny the truth that I needed Him - the sin I was engaged in was destroying me and my atheistic worldview was depressing me. I repented of my actions and I'm making it a habit of reading the Bible everday. I'm now looking to repair my relationship with God. How do I go about doing this?

OK good question. There's something that needs to become a foundation in your heart and mind about this. Your restroratoin to what we'll call a righteounss conscouness or that rift you think you still might have had been dealt with by the blood of Jesus. Don't let the devil talk you into a bag of good that now if you read you bible 2 hours a day and pray for 4 you will somehow be restored to a sense of the righteouness of God.

Granted those things bring you closer to God for you strengthen your spirit but remember if you've confessed your sin (that is your wayward way) and have asked him to forgive you and cleanse you guess what? He has! You stand in his presence pure and holy without blame before God in love it not done by works but by the blood. Boldly begin to assert with JOY,

Thank you Jesus that you see me restored and I am now justified. Good to add onto that prayer, worship of God, reading your Bible, going to church but remember God points you to the BLOOD. He wants you to know your righteousness consciousness is founded upon what his precious blood achieved and which is on the mercy seat of heaven.

MysticalMiracle · Apr 15, 2024

Bobber said:
OK good question. There's something that needs to become a foundation in your heart and mind about this. Your restroratoin to what we'll call a righteounss conscouness or that rift you think you still might have had been dealt with by the blood of Jesus. Don't let the devil talk you into a bag of good that now if you read you bible 2 hours a day and pray for 4 you will somehow be restored to a sense of the righteouness of God.

Granted those things bring you closer to God for you strengthen your spirit but remember if you've confessed your sin (that is your wayward way) and have asked him to forgive you and cleanse you guess what? He has! You stand in his presence pure and holy without blame before God in love it not done by works but by the blood. Boldly begin to assert with JOY,

Thank you Jesus that you see me restored and I am now justified. Good to add onto that prayer, worship of God, reading your Bible, going to church but remember God points you to the BLOOD. He wants you to know your righteousness consciousness is founded upon what his precious blood achieved and which is on the mercy seat of heaven.

Thank you Bobber

RileyG · Apr 15, 2024

Welcome!

Richard T · Apr 16, 2024

Glad you found your way back and recognized the need for Jesus in your life. I once heard a sermon that indicated every Christian's needs. The Word, Prayer, Fellowship and Praise I think were what made the list. I would look for things online and live that inspire you, address some of your needs, have power and create opportunities for you to grow and even help others. Consider Jesus telling the woman that this water you shall never thirst again. Many churches are too dry or leave one wanting. Let the Holy Spirit guide you, not the traditions of men and you will know in your heart things are right.

rjs330 · Apr 16, 2024

Welcome my long lost brother. Man there has been some great advise here. Just remember is all about your relationship with Christ. You've heard this from many so I won't belabor these points.
Prayer- Prayer is what brings you into God's presence. And in his presence is where you build rel relationship.
The word- reading the word is about teaching from God. What he has to say to you and how he encourages you to live and grow in wisdom.
Church- it sounds cliche but you need church to also build relationships, learn from others and where you actually put you faith and love into action. Because let's be honest, Christians aren't perfect and they WILL present challenges. But God LOVES them, they are the apple of his eye. So learning to live and care for those God does is critical.

Glad you are back!

MysticalMiracle · Apr 16, 2024

Richard T said:
Glad you found your way back and recognized the need for Jesus in your life. I once heard a sermon that indicated every Christian's needs. The Word, Prayer, Fellowship and Praise I think were what made the list. I would look for things online and live that inspire you, address some of your needs, have power and create opportunities for you to grow and even help others. Consider Jesus telling the woman that this water you shall never thirst again. Many churches are too dry or leave one wanting. Let the Holy Spirit guide you, not the traditions of men and you will know in your heart things are right.

Hey Richard. Certainly, I had to learn the hard way. I been having the first two needs fufilled consistenly ever since I made the decision to return. Now for the other two... I joined a christan young adult group with the intention of cultivating friendships with other believers who are growing spirtually. Like God said, it's no good for the man to be alone. And I think He means alone in faith too. As for praise, I'm slowly getting used to praising outwardly (with emotion) in my non denominational church. As a catholic, my worship was a bit more reserved. Over the past few days, I mostly been thinking about God...Who He Is, what He expects from me, why He put me here. I bought several books that are christian focused, books that I would have never thought about reading while I was lost. I threw the books on my bookshelf written from a atheist perspective away - didn't feel right to have it on the same bookshelf, never mind my home. Anyway, what you said about my needs and letting the Holy Spirit guide me in my decisions is important. Thank you for sharing that and much blessings.

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