You seem to be a "philosophical deep thinker". I tend to be that as well. We look beyond the obvious to the root.I agree with a caveat. You say "choosing to do the right thing becomes a lot easier" but what does it mean exactly to "do the right thing"? Specifically, what is "right"?
This question sounds stupid to some and contentious to others but I truly think it lies at the center of almost all of our doctrinal debates. As I see it, the "right" thing is to love. That's all. To love God. To love others and also ourselves. To be gentle, kind and loving.
Frankly I don't care about the rest because if I have love then I have God. Even if I am oppressed, beaten, starved and murdered I still have a choice: to love or to hate; and if I choose love I overcome.
`Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.` (Luke 23:34)
Of course, being human, I fail at this. I feel fear and anger. I lash out when I know better. But following in the footsteps of Jesus I beg forgiveness and I forgive in turn. As the days turn to years this grows easier.
Anyway........James 4:17 says ..."So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."
Doing the right thing to me means .....having the integrity to do what is right when no one is looking. (Actually CS Lewis said that).
Another thought I agree with is that - Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right. (Theodore Roosevelt).
YES......the right thing to do is love!!!
YES.....I am in the same position as you brother. WE all are in the same boat. Don't allow a pious better than everyone else person to tell you any different!
YES....I promise you that time fixing a lot of our problems. TIME seasons us with experiences which gives pascience and understanding which allow us to love deeper and on a more fuller basis.