New Fruit: 7 Days of Porn Recovery for WomenSample

A slip-up does not make you a failure. A slip-up is also not a relapse. (A relapse is a prolonged return to old behavior). And a slip-up is not a reason for you to believe you will never overcome. If you let it, a slip-up can be a great learning tool—it can help you shore up your weak spots. 

Shame will tell you all is hopeless. Shame is also not from God. Romans 8:1-2 tells us there is no condemnation for those who identity with Jesus. Because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from sin and shame. But unfortunately, for so many who fall victim to shame, they believe the lies of shame. Have you experienced thoughts such as these? 

“I am a failure.”

“I am a hypocrite.”

“I am unlovable.”

“I am undeserving.”

“I am a bad person.” 

If yes, then you are a victim of shame. To defeat shame, you have to learn to discern the voice of God from the voice of the enemy. 

The enemy is loud and invasive. He pursues you with words of death and despair. God loves you. He loves you unconditionally. But He loves you too much for you to stay in the cycle of sin and shame. Even at the beginning of all sin, God called Adam and Eve out of hiding, and instead of shaming them more, He clothed them in their nakedness. And just as He pursues you with life and grace, you can pursue Him with confidence knowing you will be accepted because while you were still a sinner, Christ died for you (Romans 5:8). In Him, there is no shame, only hope. 

Reflection:

Have you experienced a slip-up that made you feel like a failure? The cycle of sin and shame does not have to be a life sentence. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. There is hope for a life free of addiction. Recovery is a long journey, and rarely an easy one, but a journey worth every step.