“Though I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, yet if he trusts in his righteousness and does injustice, none of his righteous deeds shall be remembered, but in his injustice that he has done he shall die. Again, though I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ yet if he turns from his sin and does what is just and right, if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has taken by robbery, and walks in the statutes of life, not doing injustice, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the sins that he has committed shall be remembered against him. He has done what is just and right; he shall surely live.” – Ezekiel 33:13-16 (ESV)
Life is a journey. Our Heavenly Father knows that we’ll make incorrect choices, and stray from His path from time to time. And yet, while we need to remain diligent in our pursuit of righteousness and fulfilling God’s desires for our lives, when we do err it’s important to remember that those moments don’t have to define us; when in humility and repentance we ask for forgiveness and learn from those mistakes that we’ve made, God joyfully refreshes our spirits and draws us to Him.
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
I’m so thankful that our mistakes, our sins don’t bring final separation from God. Because of God’s great mercy and grace, we can repent and return to Him.
“Learn from our mistakes”. What then about millions of Christian men like me that struggle with sexual sins, repents, tries to live in the Light- but become entrapped in the wicked snare time after time? We apparently have not learned from earlier mistakes? Please give an advice.
Hi Rune.
When we’re truly repentant for our actions, God always forgives. If however, we’re not taking advantage of the resources He graces us with to correct and steer clear of our sins, we’re not exercising true repentance. If you find yourself falling into “old habits”, I’d find an accountability partner to assist you with staying on the path.
Have a Blessed Day!
“God joyfully refreshes our spirits and draws us to Him.” Oh I am so thankful for this!
So thankful that our missteps don’t define us and for His refreshing. Thank you for this word, Phil.