feeling condemnation from God

[Ribosome]

i've had this problem forever. when i fail and give into temptation i feel so much guilt and condemnation afterward. i feel that God is angry with me and cannot even look at me because i commited this one sin a million times before. i am convinced that God hates me, or that i break the bond between him and me every time i commit that sin. i see how terrible the sin that i commited is, and i can't imagine how God could forgive me for it (especially because i gave into it a million times before), it seems impossible, i need to be in hell for it.

sometimes i feel that God is real sad when i commit that sin and i feel terrible that i hurt God and cant get over my guilt for hurting him. i repent over and over again, but i just cant see how God could forgive me because i sinned this sin so many times before and felt guilt and repented even more times, i feel God must be so angry with me by now that he doesnt want anyting to do with me. i just suffer in that guilt for a few days and then the guilt goes away.

i'm sick of these cycles of guilt and condemnation. but at the same time, i just can't seem to be set free from that one sin.

my question:

1.) what should a christian's reaction be after he fails and gives into temptation to commit a certain sin? should he be overwhelved with guilt and suffer in it for many days to come? should he feel guilt only for a few seconds? how long should he feel the guilt? should he feel any guilt at all? if he should feel guilt, how can he be freed from the guilt?

 

[kaykay9.0]

I personally think we should feel some regret/ sorrow when we truly have sinned. However, to feel guilt for days etc. is, I think, is probably excessive and OCD if that is something you battle. I think the main thing is to be sure we are truly attempting to overcome in a certain area. Of course, often OCD may tell you that well, you haven't truly repented or tit wouldn't happen etc. Not necessarily so! We have our weak areas and our strong areas. This is true for pretty much most, if not all, Christians.

I don't want to sound like I'm condoning or minimizing sin or failure. Not at all! Just it happens. I don't think the LORD wants us to wallow in condemnation about it, but rather to recognize it, ask for strength to overcome and keep on walking towards Him.

Sometimes, too, it may be helpful to have a TRUSTED Christian brother or a pastor to pray with you and agree or counsel you about overcoming in a certain area. The book of James says to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other that we may be healed. If you have someone in your life you would be comfortable sharing with, that might be an option.

Meanwhile, I am praying that you overcome whatever area is troubling you and that you be set free from it. Sometimes I think the bigger spiritual obstacle may be the condemnation we can get under over something like this.

 

[tripletiger1200]

I struggle with this too, but I don't think true conviction of sin should ever feel that bad.
I would also suggest you give that sin to God. Admit your problem, tell Him you are sorry, and ask Him to help you. I have always heard that it is not going to be you beating that habit, but Him in you, and looking back at different problems I have had I would say that is accurate. I'll be praying for you.

 

[John637]

Just wanted to encourage you to look at God's Word on this matter of sin & condemnation. We've all been there. You said that you need to be in hell for your sin. Honestly, all of us should by all rights be in hell for our sin, God is holy & righteous far more than our minds can grasp. But, the Bible though it often teaches us of His holiness, never says, "God IS holy" or "God IS righteous" though He is these things, yet it does say that God is love." It also defines what real love is, not that we love God but that He loved us & sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. (See 1 Jn.4). So, this being true, He paid for all our sins, way back yonder whan Jesus died, & the Bible also tells us that even before that, in eternity past, He planned for Jesus to die for our sins. He knew you & I would need a Savior before we ever came on the scene, & he provided for it perfectly in Christ. Even more amazingm, is that He did it all, fully knowing that we were without any strength to change, were His enemies & sinners. But He died for us because He is love, that is who & what He is. His righteousness demanded a payment for our sins & His love sent Jesus to do it for us, & now in sheer & pure grace, He accepts us as His own, in His Beloved Son the moment we trust in Him (See Rom.5:6-8; Eph.1:6-7, 2:8-9) So, He knew all the sins we would commit before we were even born, but He came & died for them ALL anyway. He knew we were sinners, but died for us anyway, in fact that is WHY he died for us. If there would have been any other way, He would have done it (See Gal.2:19-21) So, as a believer, when you & I sin, we can go to God & thank Him that even though we committed a sin & though we hate it, we can rest & glory in Hios complete forgiveness & move on with Him. Yes, He can & will help us move on, & He is no longer angry with us because He poured out all His anger on sin on Jesus on the cross! Such knowledge doesn't make us want to go & sin more, but makes us want to love the One who loves us that much even more! Praying for you & God Bless.

 

[WhereAmI?]

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[biggerthanme]

I know how you feel, I'll be praying for you,