Changing sinful behavior

[Holland]

Ok, so I went to Confession today and the priest I go to always asks what sin I am most sorry for and what sinful behavior would I most like to change. Well today I said, " I don’t want to answer that question because every time I select a sin to be most sorry for, I end up doing something equally as bad if not worse than the sinful behavior I am trying to change." I don’t think he liked my answer much and in the end I did chose a sinful behavior I would most like to change. Here’s the question: Is there a practical book out there somewhere that I could read that would give me some insight in how to change some of my sinful behavior? This chosing something to work on method is not working for me at all.

 

[fiat1122]

Ok, so I went to Confession today and the priest I go to always asks what sin I am most sorry for and what sinful behavior would I most like to change. Well today I said, " I don’t want to answer that question because every time I select a sin to be most sorry for, I end up doing something equally as bad if not worse than the sinful behavior I am trying to change." I don’t think he liked my answer much and in the end I did chose a sinful behavior I would most like to change. Here’s the question: Is there a practical book out there somewhere that I could read that would give me some insight in how to change some of my sinful behavior? This chosing something to work on method is not working for me at all.

Go to another confessor

 

[LeahInancsi]

Well, I know I’m confused.

Perhaps, you should be working on them all while working on not starting any new sins. Would that work?

I’m not sure going to another confessor when you don’t like the answer is the best thing to do.

 

[blessedstar]

Grace is constantly being showered upon us. We receive grace in many ways as you know and confession is one way of receiving graces. I think what the Priest is doing is getting you to focus on a particular area of your life that is disturbing your peace with God by sinning and in the beauty of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is hoping to obtain the graces for you to cease that sin and grow closer to God. The Priest is calling you to look closely at your life so that you may grow in holiness and faithfulness to Jesus.

I would not change your confessor, he sounds to me to have your dearest and best interests at heart.

You know in life if we think of a particular sin it is all the more easier to trip up on that sin, you also know that if we call someone to account with sinful behaviour we also will be tempted with that sin, it is how God purifies us and if there is an area in your life that does cause disturbance to your inner peace with God then you must have the courage to face it.

Satan likes us to run scared even from the wretchedness of our ‘self’. You are a courageous follower of Christ and you must face the poverty and miserableness within you as must we all.

Obey your confessor. Answer his questions humbly and honestly and rather than dwell upon the sin once you have left the confessional, focus your mind on the virtue and strive by God’s grace to practise it.

Do not be afraid, but trust in God’s Love for you manifest in His graces freely gifted to you and courageously and bravely journey into yourself and allow God to purify you even though you may face terrible trials and temptations so that you gradually throughout your life become a beautiful and pleasing living tabernacle for the Indwelling God.

In my prayers

 

[Holland]

One of the nice things about these Forums is you can spiritually unload anonymously and get some pretty decent advice. I am glad the priest didn’t let me off the hook because God certainly won’t. I realize now that this is basically a trust issue. I have been back in the Church a little over a year and I really struggle with going to Confession. Thank you everyone, for your comments and advice.

 

[StHilarious]

Ok, so I went to Confession today and the priest I go to always asks what sin I am most sorry for and what sinful behavior would I most like to change. Well today I said, " I don’t want to answer that question because every time I select a sin to be most sorry for, I end up doing something equally as bad if not worse than the sinful behavior I am trying to change." I don’t think he liked my answer much and in the end I did chose a sinful behavior I would most like to change. Here’s the question: Is there a practical book out there somewhere that I could read that would give me some insight in how to change some of my sinful behavior? This chosing something to work on method is not working for me at all.

“Victory over darkness” by Neil Anderson.

ficm.org/questions/do_christians_still_have_a_sin_n.htm

 

[PseudoHermit_22]

Also remember not to be too hard on yourself. I recently returned to the Church myself and have been dealing with this same thing. Yes, of course we have to try to change and correct our behavior and clean up our act but also, just because we are christians doesn’t mean we are Christ. He alone, God alone is perfect. We must follow his example and repent and ask forgiveness when (not if) we fail. Just because we are baptized and the guilt for our original sin is gone doesn’t mean we suddenly are free of our fallen nature.

Pray a lot for help and keep active with positive (i.e. Christian) activities.