How to Return to God After Sinning: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to return to God after sinning is a question many believers ask when they feel distant from Him. Since Adam’s fall, humanity has inherited Sin and its consequences. The Bible states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin separates us from God, but His grace offers a way back. Through Jesus Christ, we can find forgiveness in God, repent, and experience spiritual restoration.
If you’ve wandered from God, know that you’re not alone. Many biblical figures strayed yet found their way back. The key is to take intentional steps toward Him. So, how can you return to God after sinning? Let’s explore this deeply.
1) How to Return to God After Sinning: Acknowledge That You Are a Sinner
The first step in learning how to return to God after sinning is admitting the truth. After all, the Bible warns, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). Consider a close friendship—if trust is broken and the guilty party denies wrongdoing, healing becomes impossible.
Obviously, God desires honesty. When we confess, we open the door for His mercy. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Moreover, acknowledging sin is liberating. Instead of carrying the heavy burden of guilt, we release it to God. As Billy Graham once said, “Sin is the great block that keeps our prayers from being answered.”
Furthermore, understanding our sins helps us find forgiveness in God. Daily Bible Declarations provides helpful resources on confession: Click here to read more.
2) Do Not Hide Your Sin and Find Forgiveness in God
Have you ever wondered why David was called “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22)? Indeed, despite his grave sins—including adultery and murder—David humbled himself before God. However, at first, he tried to conceal his wrongdoing.
David’s affair with Bathsheba led to a tangled web of deception (2 Samuel 11). He orchestrated the murder of her husband, Uriah, thinking he could cover up his sin. But God exposed him through the prophet Nathan. The child conceived in sin died, and David suffered deeply. His story is a reminder that nothing is hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13).
Trying to hide sin only deepens the damage. However, confessing brings freedom. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “The more you recognize your sin, the more precious Christ will be to you.”
Additionally, understanding our sins leads us to find forgiveness in God. Daily Bible Declarations highlights the importance of confession: Read more here.
3) Be Honest With God: A Key Step in Returning to Him
Honesty is a core value in any relationship, and our walk with God is no different. Consider Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5). They sold their land yet deceitfully kept part of the proceeds while pretending to give it all to God. Their lie led to instant death.
Given these points, their story teaches a crucial lesson—God values integrity. “A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful” (Proverbs 14:25). When we confess our sins sincerely, God is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9). Say a prayer of forgiveness today and start afresh.
Indeed, honesty paves the way for spiritual renewal. Instead of running from God, run toward Him. Find a prayer of renewal here: Daily Bible Prayers.
4) Reflect Deeply and Find Forgiveness in God
True repentance goes beyond words—it involves a heart transformation. So, break down your sins in every area of your life. Be specific. Write them down if necessary. Jesus warned against empty, repetitive prayers (Matthew 6:5-8). Instead, speak from your heart.
Think of repentance like cleaning out a cluttered house. You must go into every room, identify the mess, and clear it out. Similarly, allow God to cleanse your heart thoroughly. Billy Graham once said, “God never alters the robe of righteousness to fit the man. He alters the man to fit the robe.”
Furthermore, self-reflection helps us see patterns of sin. Ask yourself: What led me to this sin? How can I avoid it in the future? For practical guidance, check out this resource: Steps to True Repentance.
5) Pray for Forgiveness and Accept God’s Mercy
Once you’ve confessed, believe in God’s promise of forgiveness. Ultimately, He is not a harsh judge waiting to condemn you but a loving Father eager to restore you. Consider the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32)—a young man who squandered his inheritance in reckless living. When he hit rock bottom, he returned home expecting punishment. Instead, his father ran to embrace him, clothed him in fine robes, and celebrated his return. This is God’s heart toward you. He welcomes you with open arms no matter how far you’ve strayed. Jesus declared, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (John 8:11).
Therefore, turn away from sin and develop godly habits. Surround yourself with Scripture, prayer, and Christian community. A great book to strengthen your faith is The Power of a Praying Life by Stormie Omartian. Get it on Amazon.
Strengthening Your Walk With God
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Daily Declarations: Speak God’s promises over your life. Join Daily Bible Declarations.
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Early Morning Prayer: Start your day in God’s presence. Join our Facebook Prayer Group.
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Bible Study: Grow in faith by studying God’s Word with others. Join our Bible Reading Group.
Nevertheless, no matter how far you’ve strayed, God’s love is constant. Take the first step today, and let Him guide you back home. As Max Lucado wrote, “God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.”
Philip Wittig
June 9, 2020 at 2:01 amPeople need to mend their ways and return to God now more than ever to avoid suffering from His rightful judgement.
Please read my blog: 5 Ways to Come Back to God
Hope this help, Thank you!
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