Q:
Living a christian life feels impossible
I think that anyone with a bit of thought on the subject can realise that truly living a christian life is impossible.
Let's take one of my worries as an example. It is quite clear in the Bible that we should follow the law of man unless it goes against God's teachings. I break the law of man every day, multiple times. I jaywalk, I go over the speed limit. These things don't go against what the Bible teaches, but I do them. I honestly can't imagine an afterlife where God would condemn me to an eternal hell for crossing the street when the light was red, yet it's in the bible, and therefore clearly a sin. I know that I'll continue to do it. So if I continue to do such things until the day I die, I'll have lived a life of sin and go to hell. People say it's not that simple, but it really is.
Furthermore, there are probably hundreds of other laws I'm unknowingly breaking. I know that is a possibility. So unless I read my country's entire law book and memorise every single one, I'll be living in sin.
How about other small things like terms of service of apps and websites? Do you read them when you check the box "I have read and agree the ToS"? I don't. The bible is very clear regarding the fact that we should keep our words when entering an agreement. I'm not doing that here. Therefore I'm sinning.
We can also talk about how the supply chain of the company of the screen you're reading this on was very likely involved in some unethical practices. Same with the clothes you wear. But you buy them, therefore supporting such acts.
Or investing in the stock market. Your retirement fund. Same thing.
There's literally hundreds of similar things that I think about every day. This has led me to miss out on very big opportunities. I spend literal hours every day trying to find answers to these questions. I'm very close to leaving my faith because this is just getting ridiculous. Ever since I can remember all my faith has brought me is despair, fear and anxiety. Is this really what a relationship with God is supposed to look like? Like seriously?
Please don't respond with only bible verses. I want to hear what YOU have to say to me.
A:
Dear Friend,
I can sense the heavy burden on your shoulders. First, I want to tell you: I hear your struggle, and I understand you.
It sounds like you’re feeling the suffocating weight of “the Law,” but you haven’t yet truly experienced the lightness that comes from “His love.” The heart of the Christian life isn’t about accomplishing the impossible task of “never sinning,” but about connecting with Christ.
Through Scripture, prayer, and worship, we are called to experience God’s presence and to feel the profound love of Jesus—who was born for us, died for our sins, and rose again to conquer death and the power of darkness. We are called to live in His love, not under a microscope.
We are invited to view the world through Christ’s eyes and to have His heart as our own. Remember, Christ decided to shed His blood and give His life for us while we were still sinners. He saved us not to treat us with harsh conditions or impossible demands.
God is not a traffic cop holding a magnifying glass, waiting to catch you in every violation. He is a Father full of grace, mercy, and love.
He is eager to forgive us. He desires our obedience, but He also fully understands our weaknesses. He accepts us just as we are and patiently trains us to become more and more like Jesus. Faith isn’t about avoiding every “jaywalking” moment in life; faith is about following Him and using the love He has given us to love others—and to love ourselves.
Take a deep breath. You are loved, not because you have a perfect record, but because you are His child.