Embrace God's Warmth in Your Struggles

Let’s talk for a second. There could be war or struggle within; its okay.

There’s a silent war happening inside every one of us. A tug-of-war between who we want to be and what we keep doing. The Apostle Paul totally gets it, and he doesn't sugarcoat it in

Galatians 5:19–21 (TPT)

“The behavior of the self-life is obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way... temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions... uncontrolled addictions, wild parties...”

Sound familiar?

Why This Hits Home

This isn’t just ancient Bible talk, it reads like a scroll through today’s newsfeed. Paul’s calling out what it looks like when we’re ruled by our impulses, ego, and emotions. It’s not to shame us but rather it’s to wake us up. I hope you see this!

Here’s why this matters for everyone and especially the young adults today:

1. Sexual Culture is Loud

From swipe culture to viral thirst traps, we’re bombarded with sexual messaging. God’s not trying to kill your vibe ( listen ) He’s trying to protect your soul. Lust promises connection but often leaves us lonelier. This is the gospel truth.

2. The Hustle is Real

We’re chasing goals, likes, love, and validation. But “chasing after things instead of God” leaves us exhausted. Paul is saying: “There’s a better chase, run after Him.” 

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

Before you chase the bag, the degree, the relationship, the platform ……..chase God.

3. Self Overload

We’re taught to "speak our truth," "love ourselves," and "cut toxic people." Nothing wrong with boundaries but Paul warns about being addicted to our own opinions and obsessed with ourselves. Sometimes, we are the challenged one.

4. Anger is Trending

Ever noticed how easy it is to rage online or blow up over small things? Paul calls out “temper tantrums” and “angry quarrels” he knew the struggle was real even in ancient times.

5. Addiction Wears Many Faces

It’s not just drugs or alcohol. It could be bingeing, gaming, porn, approval, social scrolling. Paul’s not judging he’s revealing what owns us when we don’t surrender it to God in the first place

The Point Isn’t Perfection. It’s Direction

Paul ends with a bold warning:

“Those who use their ‘freedom’ for these things will not inherit the kingdom realm of God.”

Harsh? Not really. Think of it as a GPS alert: “Wrong turn. Make a U-turn.”Freedom isn’t the ability to do whatever you want. Freedom is being free from the things that secretly control you.

So what is the way out?

The verses that follow (Galatians 5:22-23) are a total shift.

Paul lists the “fruit of the Spirit” like love, peace, self-control, and joy. In other words, God doesn’t just say “don’t do this” He invites us into something better.

And here’s the best part: you don’t have to fix yourself before you come to Him. You just have to come.

If any of what Paul wrote feels a little too real, it’s not condemnation. It’s conversation. God sees where you are, but He also sees who you’re becoming.

There’s a better way to live. You were made for more than cycles, secrets, and self-doubt. You were made for freedom. Come into the embrace of God and enjoy His fatherly warmth.

Stop .... think......

What “self-life” habits or patterns am I holding on to?

Am I chasing God or things that leave me empty?

What would it look like to walk in the Spirit this week?