stock·holm syn·drome
\ stäkˌhō(l)msinˌdrōm) \
n. “an emotional attachment to a captor formed by a hostage as a result of continuous stress, dependence, and a need to cooperate for survival.”
It’s the craziest thing. Stockholm Syndrome is actually a diagnosed phenomena. In fact, researchers say that an estimated 27% of prisoners show signs of Stockholm Syndrome. Prisoners actually turn back in empathy and kindness toward their captor.
Isn’t it like that with our sin sometimes? Let’s get real. We all have sin. The question isn’t, “Do we have sin in our lives.” Nor is it, “Are we enslaved to our sin?” The question is this:
“Do we love and serve our sin?”
In the same way that Stockholm Syndrome describes the paradox in which a prisoner feels a sense of love for their captor, so many Christians fall into a falsely-loving relationship with their sin. And just like a prisoner that feels a sense of loyalty to their captor, we Christians will never be the better for serving our sin.
So, today, I want to ask you to look inside. Spend some time reflecting on these three questions:
1. What do you stand to gain from your sin?
2. What do you stand to gain from throwing yourself at the mercy of God today?
3. How are you going to feel at the end of the day when you serve your sin?
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24