7 Tips to Help You Break that Sinful Habit!

Do you ever find yourself in a vicious sin cycle—a habitual sin that you cannot seem to break?

You sin→ God Convicts → You feel guilty→ You agree with God that you have wronged Him (confess) → God forgives you→ Fall into the same sin again→ Cycle continues

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I hate this! Don’t you? Why even bother confessing?! You know you’re only going to fall again. How many times will God forgive the same wrongdoing?

I am so glad God will not leave us in this state of unrepentance. He will apply pressure in the way of conviction and difficulties to woo you and I back into a right relationship with Him. I have found that the more I resist Him, the more miserable I am. He is the Hound of Heaven!

Perhaps you have asked like I have:

“But why can’t I stop sinning? I don’t want to sin. Why do I criticize my husband? Why do I complain when things don’t go my way? Why do I get so flustered when inconvenienced? Why can’t I forgive when people hurt me? Why can’t I stop ____?”

In short, why do you and I keep sinning against the One and ones we love?

As mentioned in a previous post, we don’t have to sin; we have a choice. Here are…

1. Desire it
This is the biggest key in doing anything that is difficult.

As the old adage says: Where there’s a will there’s a way! If you want something bad enough you will find a way to get it.

2. Understand God is on your side
God wants you to stop sinning and therefore will help you!

3. Find out the specific root cause

Since the way we act stems from the way we think, you need to address the root cause of your sin.

You need specific truths from God’s Word to address your specific issue

For example, if you are often grumbling and complaining, then do a Bible study on contentment and finding your satisfaction in Christ alone. Ask the Lord for the reasons why you are discontented and the truths to overcome them.

If you are losing your temper and hurting others with your words, then evaluate what circumstances trigger that anger, and the biblical truths that will set you free.

Trust God to help you in this process. (See resources below for help doing this)

4. Decide to apply those truths at the very next opportunity
Remember to do it in His strength.

5. When (not if) you fail, repent and resolve to keep persevering
Evaluate why you failed. Thank God for His mercy and patience.

6. Get accountability
If you are consistently losing the battle, lay aside your pride and get someone to hold you accountable.

7. Thank God for every victory, because He was the one who made it possible

I have used these principles to overcome many issues in my life. It works, because God’s truths never fail!

He holds victory in store for the upright…. (Pr 2:7)

My friend, no matter what habitual sin has you trapped in a vicious cycle you can experience victory in increasing manner. Get serious and ask the Lord for His enabling.

God wants you to break that sin cycle so you won’t break fellowship with Him!

He instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. (Ps 25:8-9)

Relevant Resources
3 Lies about Temptation Satan Wants You to Believe
Learn To Be Content Worksheet
Embracing the Conviction of the Holy Spirit

Post originally published 2/28/17, updated 9/11/24