The Tug of War in Our Heart

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I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

Romans 7:15-20 NIV

Did you ever ask yourself why you do what you do? Why you engage in sin that tugs at your heart? Many of us have been there. We’ve loved sin and hated it at the same time? Maybe you’ve engaged in self-destructive relationship patterns over and over again hoping that this time things will be different? Self-destructive behaviors always bring destructive results. You’re still empty. You’re still broken. You’re still in pain.

Most of the time We’re not consciously aware of why we’re stuck in these spirals. That’s why we need Jesus. That’s why we need safe people to walk with us to the cross, where the power of God can touch our hearts. He alone can bring change. He alone can search our hearts and show us the wounds that drive us to do what we do. No shame. No condemnation. He offers mercy. He offers forgiveness. He offers the kind of safe love that heals the deep wounds in our hearts and changes our lives.

If you’re hurting or stuck in a broken cycle, know that you have Christian brothers and sisters at Reconciliation Ministries who want to help. Now is the time to reach out and accept that help. Join us for our next session of Living Waters, a 20-week discipleship and inner healing program where you can talk with others who understand what it’s like to struggle with sin and brokenness. We know what it’s like to be wounded by those we thought we could trust. Best of all, we also know how to find victory through Jesus. The Living Waters leaders have each walked through their own healing journeys. They understand what it’s like to struggle with addictive sin and the shame and destruction that it brings. Most importantly, they understand the freedom that comes from meeting Jesus at the cross, where He brings healing and transformation.

Call us today and learn more about how Living Waters can help you find victory. Our Living Waters coordinator, Joan, and her team are waiting to talk with you. Call her at 248.956.0265. Call today and begin taking your first steps towards freedom.

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Romans 7:24-25 NIV

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” – John 8:11 NKJV

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So often, those in the church who are struggling with sexual sin are afraid to go to the church for help. Just like the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11, they’re afraid the church leaders will drag them to Jesus and ask Him to stone them. Jesus is different. Instead of condemnation, as we reach out to Him, we experience His love. He offers redemption, cleanses hearts, and empowers us to “go and sin no more”.

Much like the woman at the well in John 4:4-42, transformed lives don’t stop with the one who was directly impacted by Jesus. Historically, it is believed that she came to the well alone during the heat of the day to avoid the rejection and scorn of the other women in the village. They knew her dirty little secrets. Instead of contempt, Jesus looked beyond her sin. He spoke directly to the needs of her heart. When He told her to go and get her husband, she tried to change the subject to something more spiritual. He offered her living water; the only thing that could truly fill the void in her heart. She accepted His offer and her life was transformed forever. The healing didn’t stop there. She went on to evangelize the entire village and introduced them to the Messiah. The impact of a changed life goes far beyond the one who is changed and empowered to “comfort with the comfort that we’ve been comforted with” [2 Corinthians 1:4].

You can walk with brothers and sisters in need. You can help them get past the crowds and obstacles and find healing at the feet of Jesus. You help lower them through the roof to the feet of Jesus [Mark 2:1-12]. You matter. If you’ve already received healing, we at Reconciliation Ministries encourage you to share the healing you’ve already received from Jesus with whomever He puts in your path. If you need healing, reach out to us at 586.739.5114 and ask how we can walk with you to Jesus. If you’re not in our area, we can help you find trustworthy Christians who can help wherever you live. In Christ there is hope. In Christ, you can have a future free of sexual sin. In Christ, you can have an eternal impact.