Welcome to the struggle! You've asked the ultimate question every honest Christian comes to at some point. I have some good news and some bad. The good news is, God did not stop forgiving you. Jesus died once for all sin. The bad news is, you're still in the struggle, the one we all have, with our sinful nature. Paul wrote about it in Romans chapter 7, from vs 7 on. Peter spoke up about it in the Jerusalem council. John wrote Christians and told them that any of them who says he is without sin is a liar.
Now, for the really good news: If you were not solidly in Christ, you would not be bothered by your sin. The fact that you're concerned says He's working in you, both to desire and to act according to His goodness. Wait! There's better news! The fact that you care means He's winning the battle against sin in your life. Throw yourself on His mercy and resolve to fight this thing to the end. James 1:14-15 describes the sin process. The way to avoid sin is to fight it at the desire stage, before it gathers strength. When the tempting thought enters your mind, immediately put it back out by giving your thoughts over to Jesus and thinking of other interesting things that are good. You can't keep a bird from landing on your head, but you can keep him from building as nest. Let me admit, even after knowing this, I've occasionally allowed sinful thoughts to bear fruit...but I'm still in the battle.
The best news is...He has already won this battle. If you'll stay in it...His victory will become evident in your life. The more you fight temptation, the less power it has over you. The One in you has already defeated it. Walk in Him.
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Love & Hugs, Glen
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