Is sin stopping your prayers from being answered? Is God mad at you or giving you the silent treatment? Does He put people on probation after they sin? These were questions I asked myself before September 5, 2016—before I encountered the truth about God’s character and His love for us all.
God does not excuse sin, but He doesn’t withhold love or answers because of it either.
Foluke Udeh
The Truth About Sin and Prayer:
Many believers have been taught that sin blocks God from hearing or answering prayers. But is that really true? Hosea 4:6 tells us the real issue: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”—not sin.
God does not excuse sin, but He doesn’t withhold love or answers because of it either. If sin blocked prayers, why did God:
Hear Cornelius’ prayer—a devout but unsaved centurion (Acts 10)?
Answer Cain’s prayer—the very first murderer (Genesis 4:5–15)?
Grant the request of demons—in Matthew 8:31–32?
God’s Unchanging Character:
God is not moody, partial, or withholding. He is faithful, good, kind, generous, merciful, compassionate, and unchanging. His nature is to save, not punish. Even His responses to sinners (like Cain or Cornelius) were rooted in mercy.
Conclusion:
If God answered a murderer and even demons, why wouldn’t He answer you? It’s not sin that stops answers—it’s our lack of true knowledge of God’s nature and love. His mercy is fresh every morning. Let go of guilt and lean into grace.
Extracted from Why Does God Not Answer Prayers?
