Imagine a relationship—or a marriage—as a shared voyage on a boat. If one person, in the name of love, repeatedly allows a heavy, sinking weight to remain on board, choosing to bail out water instead of throwing the burden overboard, is that vessel truly seaworthy? Can such a relationship ever be balanced or equipped to succeed?

This is a picture of our relationship with Jesus. The "weight" is our sinful baggage—the habits, attitudes, and past hurts we cling to. The journey of faith requires that we actively "throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles" (Hebrews 12:1). Or, do you instead throw yourself out of the boat, abandoning ship at the first sign of hardship? This is a refusal to share in Christ’s cup of suffering—a cup that is essential for bearing the fruit of the Spirit and refining your character into His likeness.

To do otherwise is to test the limits of His grace, risking a shipwreck of faith despite the seaworthiness of the ship He provides.

As the Apostle Paul powerfully asks, "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" (Romans 6:1-2). True grace, purchased on the cross, is not a safety net for a life of bailing water; it is the divine empowerment to throw the weight of sin overboard and sail freely with Him.

How many times can one stop their relationship with Jesus before committing apostasy? 

How long can one stay lukewarm aka (not being in the Word of God, fellowshipping, praying etc.) before being deceived by the ruler of this world? 

How long can someone keep sinning before death surprises them, and they die as a believer who is still sinning?