Is Something Wrong With Me

A few years ago, a co-worker and I were on a work trip and we sat next to each other for more than ten hours. Ten hours is a long time to get re-introduced to an old co-worker. We talked about our assignment and some of the different kinds of food we both would enjoy trying

n our free time. Both of us had made the trip before so we would be able to go solo once our assignment was over. The city was on the coast and there were several shops I desired to visit.

Suddenly the nature of our conversation changed. He began to talk about things of substance, life changing things. He inquired as to whether I was a born-again Christian. I thought it was a strange question from someone whom I only knew from work. I answered yes to let him know that it was the life that I lived daily. I told him it made me a different person, but not better than anyone else. I explained to him that every day I wake up, I still must work toward pleasing God. I let him know that God gives us all a chance for salvation. He then told me he did not believe that God gave everybody the same chance for redemption. He said that he had been brought up to believe that salvation was not available to everyone. I was somewhat surprised because I did not understand what kind of parents would mislead their child on the path to true salvation. I wondered what would be so bad a parent would leave that kind of fear on their child’s heart. I told him that there must be a mistake because he had been misled. I told him the only sin that I was aware that was unforgivable was blaspheming of the Holy Spirit.

I let him know that all sins have equal value, there are no big sins or little sins. My co-worker shared a story with me that made me sad to my heart. I was also saddened for him. He said that he had been raised in a very Christian household, and the Word of God was pushed on them daily with a fear of total judgement for sinning. He had been told that if a woman had an abortion and if an individual professed to be gay or acted in a homosexual manner, they had no chance of going to heaven. I explained to him that he had been sadly misled. Everyone has the promise of forgiveness from God if they repented and asked with a sincere heart. At that point, I was a little confused as to where our conversation was going. I allowed him to do the talking, because I did not want him to feel that I was judging him in any manner. He then told me that he was gay and had acted on his desires. He told me that many of his Christian beliefs had struck his heart and he wanted to love God, but he believed that God no longer loved him. He also wanted to know if I looked at him differently now that I knew he was gay. I told him it was not my place to judge him and that I was sorry that he had been misled by his parents. I told him that true love has no need to lie. Love is meant to build you up where you're broken down, and that God is a God of second chances. I explained that we are all born sinners and we can never do enough to work our way out of sin. We are all saved by the grace of God. I gave him an example that when it comes to sin stealing or adultery, they have the same value. The difference comes in when you ask God for forgiveness and do your best each day to turn your life toward Jesus Christ. I asked him if he wanted to accept Jesus Christ as his savior. He asked me is that possible. I told him with God all things are possible. I took his hand and prayed with him and he asked God to forgive him of his sins. I then took his cell phone and downloaded a free application of the Bible. I told him the best way to get closer to God was to pray to God, study the Bible daily, and return to the faith. In his daily prayers he should ask God for guidance and God would do the rest. His job would be to take it one day at a time.

I told him that it made me feel special that he would share something so personal with me. I said to him that I would keep him in my prayers and trust in God daily. I also told him that I do not always get it right, but I always keep my hand in God’s hand and allow him to lead the way.

Suggestion from Pathway to Relief

1. Remember that mankind is not your judge and jury. (Matt 7:1,2)

2. If you feel you are continually participating in a particular sin, find someone that is familiar with your sin that you can trust and talk with to help you understand why you keep reaching back to the same sin and pray for strength to overcome the temptation. (1 Cor 10:13)

3. Your Bible is the best reference when needing clarification on something pertaining to your spiritual life.

4. Know that when you accept God you are never alone again.

5. Never allow anyone to make you feel less about yourself because we all are sinners and struggle with life.

6. You must first accept who you truly are to move forward in the right direction.

7. Make peace with your parents and go on with your life. God is not done with you yet.

I trust that sharing this personal story will be of value to someone and it will allow them to know that all things are possible with God in your life.

I like to thank everyone that visits my blog and I trust that you have found something beneficial.

Thank you.

C. Daylee

Counselor and Therapist

(404) 997-8577