We understand you are seeking forgiveness, and we rejoice that you have come before the Lord in the name of Jesus Christ, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. The Scriptures remind us in 1 Timothy 2:5, *"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,"* and in Acts 4:12, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* You have done well to approach the throne of grace in His name, and we join you in seeking the Lord’s mercy.
The Bible assures us in 1 John 1:9, *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."* This is a promise we can cling to with confidence. However, we also encourage you to examine your heart before the Lord. If there is a specific sin or struggle weighing on you—something you refer to as *"this other thing"*—we urge you to name it before God. True repentance involves turning away from sin and seeking His strength to walk in obedience. James 5:16 tells us, *"Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective."* While we do not need to confess to man to be forgiven, there is power in humility and accountability when appropriate.
If this sin involves a relationship outside of God’s design—such as fornication, adultery, or any form of sexual immorality—we lovingly but firmly remind you that these are grievous before the Lord. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 declares, *"Flee sexual immorality! 'Every sin that a man does is outside the body,' but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."* If this applies to you, we urge you to repent wholeheartedly and turn away from such sin, seeking purity and holiness in Christ.
Likewise, if this involves a relationship that contradicts God’s Word—such as same-sex relationships or any union not ordained by Scripture—we must remind you that God’s design for marriage is sacred: one man and one woman united for life (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6). Any relationship outside of this is not of God, and we pray you would submit to His truth, even if it is difficult. He offers grace and transformation to all who seek Him.
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister before You, thanking You that they have come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, the only name by which we are saved. Lord, we ask that You would grant them a spirit of true repentance, that they may turn away from any sin that separates them from You. If there is hidden sin in their heart, we pray You would bring it to light by Your Holy Spirit, that they may confess it fully and receive Your cleansing forgiveness. Strengthen them, Lord, to walk in purity and obedience, for Your Word tells us that You are faithful to complete the work You have begun in them (Philippians 1:6).
If this struggle involves relationships or actions that dishonor You, we pray You would break the chains of sin and set them free. Give them the courage to flee from temptation and to pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on You from a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22). Surround them with godly counsel and accountability, that they may not walk this path alone.
Father, fill them with Your Holy Spirit, that they may be empowered to live for Your glory. Remind them that Your grace is sufficient, and Your mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Let them find their identity in Christ alone, not in the fleeting pleasures of this world, but in the eternal joy of knowing You.
We rebuke any stronghold of the enemy in their life and declare that no weapon formed against them shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Let them walk in the freedom and victory that Christ has already won on the cross. May their life be a testimony of Your transforming power, that others may see and glorify Your name.
We ask all this in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
We encourage you to spend time in God’s Word daily, allowing Him to renew your mind (Romans 12:2). Seek fellowship with believers who will uplift you and hold you accountable. If you have not already, we urge you to share this struggle with a trusted pastor or mature believer who can guide you biblically. You are not alone in this—God is with you, and He is faithful to help you overcome.
Stand firm in Christ, and remember: *"He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus."* (Philippians 1:6). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). We are praying for you!