Flourishing in Freedom

In the midst of a struggle with unwanted sexual behaviors, it can often feel like we are merely surviving. 

But God doesn’t want us to just survive—He made us to thrive and flourish. 

He sent His Son to die for our sins so we can experience the fullness of this life and the next. So what does it look like to flourish? There are many ideas about what it means to flourish from philosophy, theology, and psychology. But these ideas are overwhelming to look at individually, so let’s talk about flourishing through the integration of all three.

First, it’s important to remember that flourishing is not what popular positive psychology often portrays: a life of optimism void of struggle or sacrifice. On the contrary, we were made as people who need other people, and despite what our individualistic culture tells us today, we find fulfillment in sacrifice and love.

Secondly, ultimate flourishing seems like something we can achieve on earth, but that’s not the case. To flourish is to continue to strive for goodness, virtue, truth, communion, rest, and resilience. The Lord did not promise us an easy life on earth—He promised everlasting joy in Eternity. We are human and we will fall, but we are also renewed by Christ’s Sacrifice and can choose to strive for virtue and goodness in pursuit of this everlasting joy.

And thirdly, we are not meant to live life alone—we need relationships. God gave us the grace to have both a true relationship with Him, and communion with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We should lean into these relationships God has provided, especially when faced with the difficulties of this life. I encourage you to lean into the community around you: your parish, friends, family, or Magdala group. The beauty of Magdala Ministries is it provides an authentic community of women who understand one of the most tender areas of your heart. This, paired with professional therapy and counseling, can conquer the loneliness and despair within sexual addiction.

The Lord gave us a special opportunity to grow closer to Him throughout this struggle. And although we should be striving for sobriety, every fall provides an opportunity to react courageously: to get back up and pray for the wisdom and strength to see our true identity, rooted in sincere love from and for God. 

We have the capacity for flourishing beyond sexual sin when we lean into rest, connection, and virtue. With every courageous response, the power of each fall lessens, and temptation loses its grip on us. 

To flourish is to draw near the Lord—to act in accordance with His plan for your life. Lean on those around you and stand strong in the face of adversity. 

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.” —2 Timothy 1:7