Reflecting on Our Universal Struggle with the Apostle Paul’s Words
Most of us have felt the tug-of-war inside ourselves: we want to do what’s right, but somehow, we fall short. The phrase, “when I try to do good, evil is always present,” resonates deeply because it’s a truth that we all experience. This isn’t just a modern sentiment—it’s a paraphrase of a powerful line from the Apostle Paul in Romans 7:21. Paul writes, “I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.” Through these words, Paul describes his own inner conflict between the desire to pursue goodness and the persistent pull of sin.
The Apostle Paul’s Honest Reflection
Paul was an early Christian leader who wrote the Book of Romans to fellow believers in Rome. His message wasn’t just for them—it’s timeless, speaking to anyone who wants to live well but finds themselves battling impulses and habits that drag them down. In Romans 7:18-22, Paul explains that the purer and more holy a person’s heart becomes, the more sensitive they are to the sin that remains within. As believers grow in grace, their desire to obey and to live righteously increases. Yet, even with earnest intentions, they don’t always succeed; sin often springs up through the lingering corruption inside, leading them to do what they had firmly decided not to do.
The Universal Human Experience
Paul’s words are not just about his personal struggle—they reflect a universal human experience. We all know what it’s like to set out with the best of intentions, only to find ourselves acting in ways we regret. This inner conflict isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a sign of being human. The more we strive for goodness, the more we notice the subtle ways that selfishness, anger, jealousy, or pride can creep in and influence our choices.
The Struggle Between Flesh and Spirit
Paul describes the “striving of the flesh against the Spirit,” a battle that makes it difficult to do what the Spirit suggests. At the same time, the Spirit effectively opposes the flesh, preventing us from giving in to every impulse. This is not the same as those who make peace with their darker impulses, ignoring the warnings of conscience and continuing down a path that leads to destruction. Instead, the believer is under grace; their will is set toward holiness, and they sincerely delight in the law of God and the goodness it demands.
Finding Hope in the Struggle
What makes Paul’s reflection so powerful is that it doesn’t end in despair. Recognizing the struggle is not about giving up; it’s about understanding ourselves more deeply and relying on grace. The “new man” that Paul describes is a part of us that is being renewed, created in true holiness, and delights in what is good. The tension we feel is a sign that we are growing and that our hearts are aligned with something greater than ourselves.
Why We Can All Relate
Whether you’re religious or not, Paul’s words in Romans 7:21 speak to a fundamental aspect of being human: we are always caught between our ideals and our reality. The journey toward goodness is ongoing, and setbacks are part of the process. By acknowledging our internal battles, we become more compassionate with ourselves and with others.
So the next time you feel discouraged by your own shortcomings, remember that you’re not alone. The struggle to do good in the presence of temptation is as old as humanity itself. Like Paul, we can find hope in the journey, knowing that each time we choose to pursue goodness, we are growing—one step at a time.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 