Being a Christian involves turning away from sin; however, we still mess up sometimes. We can learn to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to avoid sin. Here are five tips for avoiding sin:

1. Recognize Sin

What is sin? We sin when we don’t do something that we know is right to do. We also sin when we disobey God, or when we do something that is against what the Bible teaches us to do. Pray that God will reveal your sin so you can work with Him to stop sinning.

2. Focus on God’s Word

The Psalmist wrote that he hid God’s “Word in my heart, that I might not sin” (Psalm 119:11). Reading, memorizing, and meditating on God’s Word will help you keep your mind and heart focused on Him, rather than on earthly temptations.

3. Stay Far from Sin

Try to avoid situations and places where you may be tempted to sin. If you have a drinking problem, don’t go to bars. If you tend to look lustfully at women, don’t go to the beach. The brother of Jesus encouraged Believers to “resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Remember, God can guide you away from temptation: “When you are tempted, God will show you a way out” (I Corinthians 10:13).

4. Find an Accountability Partner

After you have prayed to avoid sin, you might find God’s answer coming in the form of a friend who helps you. The Bible reminds us that just “as one piece of iron sharpens another, so friends keep each other sharp” (Proverbs 27:17). A person who helps us obey the Lord might be called an “accountability partner.” People who have recognized sins in their lives, such as giving in to the temptation of drugs and alcohol, often know that a friend who encourages godly living is very helpful.

5. Repent if You Sin

God knows that we make mistakes, even when we try our best to obey Him. But “God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him” (Daniel 9:9). Repent, then continue to try to obey Him, and to walk in His ways, so that you will not fall back into a sinful lifestyle. Learn how to repent if you don’t know how. God promised “that your sins may be wiped away” (Acts 3:19), when you repent and turn to Him.

Are you ready to receive the free gift of Jesus Christ?