When it comes to sex, people make mistakes-both premarital and
extramarital. Sometimes after making a sexual mistake, people will reason
that since they've already committed the sin, they may as well continue
doing so. This is faulty thinking because continuing to practice premarital
sex or adultery perpetuates one's sin and can lead to a seared, unresponsive
conscience. The biblical way to cleanse one's conscience is to repent-that
is, stop breaking God's law.
Because sex is enjoyable and because an emotional bond is created between two
people through this act, breaking off an unlawful sexual relationship can be
difficult. Here are a few points to keep in mind if you need to end or have
recently ended a sinful relationship:
Repent. To repent means to stop what we are doing wrong and to change direction.
It also includes admitting our sin to God and asking for His forgiveness. "If
we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse
us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Repentance is mandatory for being
forgiven.
Have courage to do what is right. God respects people of courage who do what
He says, and He promises us strength when we do. Psalm 31:24 says, "Be of good
courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD."
Ask God for the courage you need as you cease your wrong conduct. Strive to
do what is right and ask for God's help at the same time because "whatever we
ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things
that are pleasing in His sight" (1 John 3:22).
