How do I know when I look for God even when I sin?

How do I know when I look for God even when I sin?

If a person finds himself in sin does he experience the presence of God’s mercy once he repents?  The question becomes a deeper meaning if the sinner turns away from the very essence of God, who is love and mercy.  In other words, we take God for granted if the knowledge of forgiveness becomes a continuum of neglecting the meaning of repentance.  Perhaps too many have walked away from a need to seek God in a manner of finding his mercy through always turning back to  the road to perdition any time we fall into sin.  Jesus told his disciples more than once not to neglect the mercy of God, no matter how often sin reaches us.  

Peter asked the leading question on forgiveness;  Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?  As many as seven times?”   Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.”  (Mt 18: 21 - 23).  We are to emulate the action of God’s forgiveness each time we sin and seek forgiveness, God will forgive us if we are earnest in sorrow.   

We are weak as humans and are susceptible to sin all day long.  “For the just man falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble to ruin.”  (Prv 24: 16).  

“Therefore, that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from becoming too elated.  Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”   (2 Cor 12: 7 - 9).

Some people have said, “For your disobedience towards God and your constant sinning, God is going to put you in hell.”  Let’s put all that into perspective.  First, God sends no one to hell.  Second, sin is the reason Jesus took on humanity in the hypostasis and went to the cross on Good Friday.  This was, and remains is, the answer to God’s love which is so deep that only sinners will be in heaven; once they accept this perfect love from God.

I have heard from several priests that saints are sinners who keep trying.  If that is you keep trying.  That is me and I am still trying as well.  

Ralph B. Hathaway