@Michael06791436 @bornagainsteph Well said, we can walk in the freedom of redemption. We do not flog ourselves for every sin, but we take heed, lest we fall continuously in the same entrapment.
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
Romans 10:13-14 ESV
@brannmarie1 You are not alone. You are loved. I've been where you are, not long ago. He answered, not when I called, but when I went silent and waited for Him.
@bornagainsteph It can be hard to tell authentic from fake. The problem is we all have the ability to backslide into sin. I hope your faith and love is only strengthened through this experience. It's easy to become hardened when we are taken advantage of. Lord be with you
Don't accept the flaws either. Hold them up, but admit they are flaws. Give them to God and humble yourself. There is only One who is perfect. There is only One who is our Teacher. Humble ourselves under His hand and authority, and you will be perfected.
I'm trying to perfect my penmanship. A lost art, maybe. But an art nonetheless.
I notice I keep making the same mistakes, and my mind wonders to my walk with God. Why do I keep making the same mistakes? Am I not willing to see them as big enough to be worthy of change?
I could say it's good enough. Many people say, "Quit being a perfectionist." Few people know the joy of working on something until it's perfect. But true perfection comes with admiring the flaws. Flaws point out the characteristics of the individual. Don't hide the flaws.