I Can't Stop Sinning. What do I do?

Do you feel like there’s a sin you keep going back to that you just can’t give up?

Recently, I asked my Instagram community this question and the results were wild! 93% of people (out of 129 votes) said yes - there’s a specific sin that has a stronghold on their life!

What’s even crazier are the results of the next question I asked… What do you feel when you sin?

47% of people voted that they feel like God is mad at them.
40% of people voted that they feel like God doesn’t want them.
13% of people felt like God was scolding them.

This time, almost 150 people voted. I was blown away by the results.

Chances are, you’ve felt trapped in sin. You’ve wanted to break free but feel like no matter what you do, you can’t stop sinning. You’re exhausted. Frustrated. Worst of all, you feel unworthy of God’s love.

Friend, I’m right there with you.

Remember that the enemy is the father of lies. He takes pleasure in seeing you distance yourself from God—whether it’s because you believe the lie that God is mad at you or you believe the lie that God doesn’t want you after you sin.

John 8:44 says, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

OOF. The enemy means serious business. He’s a liar. And unfortunately, he’s good at lying. He wants you to believe that your sin is too ugly, too heavy, and too much for God. He’s also out to ruin God’s character. He’ll tell you that God is shaking his head in disappointment and turning his back on you.

But the truth is that God sees you in your sin and still chooses you.

God sees every struggle, every failure, and every weakness. But he never abandons. His love for you is not based on your perfection. His sacrifice on the cross wasn’t just for people who “have it all together.” It was for the ones who struggle, who fail, who keep messing up. His sacrifice was for you.

So what do you actually do when you can’t stop sinning?

Bring Every Sin to Jesus

Easier said than done, right? Facing your sin can be defeating. Overwhelming. Discouraging. Even in the Garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve both sinned, they hid in shame.

Look at Genesis 3:8: “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden".

Hiding is our natural instinct. It’s easy to let guilt and shame keep us from running to Jesus. It’s easy to think that our sin is too much.

But the truth is, Jesus pursues you, even in your sin.

Notice how God walks towards Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He knows what they did. And yet, he never turns his back on them.

Your sin is not a surprise to Jesus. Instead of running from him when you struggle, run to Him. He’s walking towards you. It’s time to meet him where he’s at.

Confess Your Sin

Confession isn’t about shame; it’s about freedom.

Hiding in shame—holding onto your sin—that is what keeps you bound in isolation. But when you bring it into the light, you can finally step into the grace and healing of Jesus.

1 John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Let that sink in—He is faithful to forgive you. He doesn’t forgive reluctantly. He doesn’t hold onto your sins and bring them up later. When you confess, He forgives completely.

Accept His Forgiveness

Confessing is one thing. But accepting God’s forgiveness is another. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve confessed my sin and still felt nothing but shame.

It’s difficult to accept forgiveness when you’re focused on self. How could God still want me? How could God still love me after all I’ve done? How could God still pursue me, even when I can’t stop sinning.

Thank goodness his power is mightier than yours or mine! Only God has the power to forgive. Freely. Joyfully. Without hesitation.

When you confess your sins, you will never be met with an angry God, shaking his head in disappointment. You’re met with a loving father who embraces you and says, you are mine. You are forgiven. You are free.

Embrace his forgiveness and trust that his power is mightier than your sin.

Find Accountability with Someone You Trust

Ugh. Now the realllly hard part. Sin thrives in secrecy. But healing happens in the light. Confessing to Jesus is the first step. Confessing to another trusted person is just as important. When you can’t stop sinning, a trusted friend, family member, mentor, or counselor can help you walk in step with God.

James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

Don’t let the enemy get a hold of your heart. Share vulnerably. Ask for help boldly. And walk in grace confidently.

No matter how many times you’ve fallen, Jesus is still calling you to freedom. His grace is greater than your failures. His love is stronger than your shame.

If you’re struggling with the same sin, don’t lose hope. Run to Jesus. Even in your worst moments, Jesus is not condemning you—He is calling you closer.

Next Steps:

Turn to Jesus. Instead of hiding, come before him in prayer.
Pray and surrender your sin to Jesus. What are you struggling with? How have you sinned? Talk to him honestly and ask him to help you overcome through his strength.
Speak his truth over yourself. Romans 8:1 reminds us, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, mentor, or counselor. Ask for prayer. Healing happens in community.

A Great Resource For You:

If you need help drawing closer to Jesus, no matter what sin, anxieties, or troubles are holding you back, then I created a free resource for you. Download 7 Conversations with Jesus to experience the love of God in a way you never have before.