Expert: John Zalewski - 1/8/2011

Question
Hello. I have been wondering for a while about how sin in christians affects our prayers. I have been praying about a relationship I have just started but I feel like I do not deserve to be helped by God at all. I can't seem to quit sinning even if I try. I pray for help in the relationship and for God to help me make the right choices. Any advice?

Answer
Hello, Michelle.

I'm sorry for taking so long to respond.

Sin in the Christian's life will affect his prayers. He will pray God for strength to help turn him away from evil. He will ask God to guide him, so that he can better keep God's Laws.

Remember, it is God Who works in the saved person's life to will and to do of His good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13: For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

When we sin as Christians, we go to God praying for mercy, praying for forgivness, etc., even though if we are truly saved we are already forgiven by God, and that relationship cannot change.

David prayed to God after his sin of fornication with Bath-sheba was found out. We read his prayer in Psalm 51. David expressed genuine remorse for his sins, and we as Christians should have remorse about the way we live, because none of us lives perfectly before God.

Now, if you have concerns about your relationship with this individual, then going to God in prayer is a great place to start. God can help you, if He so desires. Pray for wisdom. Pray for obedience to Him.

However, if your relationship is causing you to sin, then this is a sign that you should not be in that relationship. Our desire to be obedient to God should trump our love for our family, friends, significant others, etc. (Matthew 10:37).

Hope this helps. Any further questions, please ask.

May God bless you,
John

I Corinthians 14:26: How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.