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Questions & Answers

Sin

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Spiritual Life › Sin

The question

I have done a lot of sins in the past because I was scared to refuse. Now, I am celibate and do not do anything sexually, and I try to follow God as much as I can. Will God still send me a future spouse that is fit me, or is the chance of meeting someone gone because of my past mistakes?

The answer

God is loving and forgiving far beyond our comprehension. Repentance and contrition are what please God:

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise" (Psalm 51:17).
 
The Holy Mysteries of Confession and the Holy Eucharist are keys to heaven: "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matthew 26:28).  
 
When we confess our sins, they are wiped away forever: Thus, the Lord Jesus Christ gave His disciples this authority: "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained" (John 20:23). 
 
Pray that if your path of salvation is in marriage that God will send you a suitable spouse. Submit your will to God's will.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 2317 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.