Our answering services and our literature, whether in print or through our online Internet e-mail and Web sites, are always free to anyone who wants help. God does not put a monetary price on His spiritual blessings. He has already paid the greatest price possible by allowing His Son to die for the sins of mankind.

We are truly sorry for the rough experiences you've had, but your willingness to take responsibility for your actions and to reach out to God for help are heartening. You have every reason to expect that He will grant you all the help you need.

We don't have to tell you that it will not be easy to leave the past behind. That is the common experience of humankind. However, we can promise you that it is possible with God's help.

Mankind suffers immensely because of what the Bible calls sin. In the words of Scripture men "drink iniquity like water." We transgress God's spiritual laws and we suffer the penalties for doing so. But the good news is that we do not have to pay the ultimate spiritual penalty for our sins (John 3:16). Christ did that for us. And once we actively embark on the path of following His laws, however hesitantly in the beginning, He promises that He came to earth to give us His way of life and that more abundantly (John 10:10).

Claiming and realizing His priceless benefits begins with the sober awareness of serious mistakes and the need for God's forgiveness and help in turning away from sin. The Bible calls this process repentance. It seems that is what you are embarking on now. The next step is to learn more about the plan of God for mankind, which includes an even greater knowledge of right and wrong based on His biblical standards summarized by the Ten Commandments.

It is good that you are aware of past mistakes that you can put behind you. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Also: "He who covers his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes his sins will obtain mercy" (Proverbs 28:13, Amplified Bible).

Spiritual healing doesn't stop there. Once you are truly educated in God's way of life and you have asked His forgiveness for the wrongs you have done, you need to commit to choosing and then exercising the will to do right in your everyday life. You must prepare to struggle constantly against the human tendencies to say and do things you shouldn't. This battle is common to all true Christians committed to God's way.

Satan the devil is the behind-the-scenes author of "this present evil age" (Galatians 1:4). He has deceptively spread his influence over the entire world (Revelation 12:9). It has been ingrained into the negative tendencies inherent in our human nature. However, God has much greater power than the devil. He encourages us with what He inspired the apostle James to write: "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).

James next advises us to look to God for His help! "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (verse 8, emphasis added). The apostle Paul adds these encouraging words: "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13, New International Version).

We should always live up to God's standards, but our human weaknesses seem to inevitably cause us to fail at times. When that happens, the book of Hebrews tells us to go to the throne of grace that we may receive forgiveness and the help and courage to continue living God's way (Hebrews 4:15).

To receive God's assistance, you should continue your education in spiritual truth by reading and studying the Bible on a daily basis. You will also need to pray daily, talking with God about your concerns and needs, asking for His blessing on your life and efforts to obey Him.

True Christianity isn't merely a "rehabilitation program" for people who have committed serious wrongs. It is an abundant way of living and a marvelous life. We can live it in a prison or a palace and anywhere in between. Regardless of your circumstances or surroundings, you can build a strong spiritual relationship with God your Father, one that is comforting, inspiring and motivating.

We would be happy to send you several booklets that will be of help. Some of the specific titles are: You Can Have Living Faith, Making Life Work and Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion. You will also find our free Bible Study Course helpful in understanding many basic Bible truths.