For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.
Romans 8:15
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For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.
Romans 8:19
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Paul wrote much of the New Testament and was a convert to Christianity when he met the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus. He traveled all over preaching and defending the gospel and was eventually martyred for his faith. Yet here he is admitting that he struggles to not do things contrary to his faith. It brings comfort to me every time I read this.
Much of the criticism Christians get is because they are seen as hypocrites. They are seen as saying one thing and doing another. However, I'm not sure I've ever known anyone who hasn't done this, Christian or not. I think a more fair measure is how does someone handle themselves after realizing they've acted contradictory to their beliefs. Do they justify or deny their behavior or do they acknowledge it, own it, and work to correct it?
Knowing that Paul had these struggles helps to encourage me that I can make changes. It also reminds me that being a Christian isn't about being perfect. My shortcomings only point out to me my need for a savior. God's standard is perfection because He's holy. I am not perfect but Jesus is. All Christians should take heart when they have these struggles that they are not alone. The good news is none of us need to be alone with any struggles and if we accept Jesus' sacrifice we can have someone to always go through these struggles with us.
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