Counsels on Wellness

Counsel #7 — Victory Over Sin

Picture: Counsel #7 — Victory Over Sin CWe 265.1

Sinful habits and patterns pull us away from God’s will, leading to spiritual, emotional, and physical harm. Common examples can include gossip, dishonesty, greed, lust, substance abuse, uncontrolled anger, laziness, gluttony, pride, and envy. CWe 265.2

According to the Bible, these actions can enslave us, creating a cycle of guilt, shame, and separation from God’s purpose for our lives. Romans 7:19 captures this struggle perfectly: “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.” CWe 265.3

Recognizing that breaking sinful patterns is something we can’t do on our own is the first step to genuinely acknowledging our sin and confessing it to God. Keep in mind that repentance isn’t the same as remorse — someone can cry and say sorry without actually changing. True repentance involves turning away from sin and pursuing righteousness. The key to success in this area is to rely on the Holy Spirit’s power, for only the Spirit can transform the human heart.^[299] CWe 265.4

“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Romans 8:5 NIV CWe 265.5

“The power of self-control and reason is overborne by practices that defile the whole being…” Ellen White in Maranatha, p. 229 CWe 265.6

Reflect: What sinful habit or pattern will you allow God to change in your life CWe 265.7