Many times, our relationship with God is affected — even ruined — by things we need to let go of. What God wants to give us today, we fail to receive, simply because we won't let go of the things He asks us to release.

We see it clearly in Mark 10:17–22. A man came running to Jesus, knelt down, and asked with real urgency, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" He wasn't careless about this question — he had kept the commandments since he was young. But Jesus, looking at him, felt a deep love for him and said, "There is still one thing you haven't done. Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this, the man's face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

This rich young ruler lost what was most important — the salvation of his soul and eternal life — all because he wouldn't let go of his wealth. This doesn't mean money condemned him. It means his heart was so attached to something that it had taken God's place. And Jesus, precisely and lovingly, told him: let that go. Jesus knew it was hindering his relationship with God.

Today we will look at three things we must let go of to grow and strengthen our relationship with God.

Let go of sin.

God warns us plainly: do not let sin control your life, because He has already set you free from it. Many times we hold on so tightly to sin and won't let it go, but God tells you today, "My child, let it go." The Lord does not want you to keep living in slavery, but to be free in Him.

Think about this: is it worth losing what He did for me, just for a moment of pleasure? As Colossians 3:5 puts it, we are to "put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you" — sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is its own form of idolatry, worshipping the things of this world.

Let go of what pulls you away.

Perhaps this sounds tough, but many times we have to let go of friendships or romantic relationships because they do not build up our lives. What you call "good" might be the very thing taking you away from God.

And as 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, "Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits." If a relationship draws you closer to sin than to Christ, it is not a blessing you should keep, but a burden you must learn to let go of.

Let go of the guilt.

This is very important to understand and remember. God loves you, and gave His Son, Jesus Christ, so that you could be saved, delivered, healed, restored, cleansed, freed from guilt, and rescued.

Hear His invitation in Isaiah 1:18: "Come now, let's settle this," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool." Those thoughts of guilt do not come from God; it is the enemy who wants to see you sunken and defeated.

Jesus loves you, just as He did with the rich young ruler, He does with you today. He looks at you with love even knowing your mistakes. He doesn't accuse you; He extends His loving arms to you. Listen to His voice.

In conclusion: nothing compares to Him.

Nothing matters more than what He did for us. Nothing in this world is worth it compared to Him.