Confession and problems with recurring sin/temptation

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jason3477

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Mine is gluttony/overeating. I go to confession regulary-just about every week… but I keep falling into gluttony/eating too much, but I’m getting better at avoiding this sin.

Maybe I’m being too scroupulous-I don’t know how to spell that word lol…

So what should I do???

Thanks…
 
Keep going to confession, and keep on trying to fight temptation. Most people struggle with a recurrent type of sin or two. When you think about it, that’s to be expected, since we get tempted at the weakest points of our personalities.

You might want to take a close look at the temptations you experience. You mentioned overeating/gluttony. Are there specific foods that tempt you? You might want to try avoiding those foods, or occasions where you will be in contact with those foods. That’s just an example. Some serious thought about your temptations will give you some creative ideas for better dealing with them.
 
Fight lack of temperance, lack of control in other aspects of your life. The more control you have for things besides food, the more your urges to eat will fall under your control too.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, ask Mary, and the Holy Spirit to grant you the grace to overcome your temptations when they arise.

Keep fighting the good fight:)
 
willofgods said:
Fight lack of temperance, lack of control in other aspects of your life. The more control you have for things besides food, the more your urges to eat will fall under your control too.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, ask Mary, and the Holy Spirit to grant you the grace to overcome your temptations when they arise.

Keep fighting the good fight:)
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That’s good advice. Sometimes it is difficult to tackle those areas of great struggle head on. Starting smaller with something in the same category that does not tempt us can help us develop the virtue needed to overcome the vice.

For example, say that moderation of food is difficult, but moderation with regards to watching TV is easy. You might opt to turn off the TV earlier than you normally would as an offering to God. It may seem like no big deal, but it is serving as practice to making good decisions about moderation. The more frequently you practice in smaller matters, the easier it will be to make the right decision when the temptation is stronger.

The root meaning of the word “virtue” is “habit”. Virtue is a holy habit. And we create habits through repetition of action.
 
I have not struggled with your particular problem, but regarding areas in which I am tempted, I find that I have much better success when I have a strategy.

First, analyze the specific circumstance which makes you feel weak. For example,do you feel most vulnerable at night while watching TV; does this situation create or strengthen the urge to snack? In other words, figure out what circumstance triggers the impulse and avoid or modify the circumstance if you can.

Second, try to replace or modify high calorie intake with other kinds of food. If you have a sweet tooth, and love sugar, try to eat something that helps satisfy your sweet tooth, but is low in fat. (My family–on the suggestion of a chef friend suggested we try frozen grapes instead of ice cream! I thought it sounded awful, but seedless grapes frozen, once you get over thinking about the ice cream can be really refreshing. We actually feel good eating this way!)

I’ve heard exercise helps a great deal (I can’t speak to this myself; I lack discipline here myself:) )

Fourth, and most importantly, pray to God and ask for His help and for discipline. Ask him to show you what would be helpful to you in particular (we’re all a little different; and different things work for different people).

I admire your desire and sensitivity to bring more discipline to your life; it’s something all of us should strive for in love to God. I’ll be praying for you. Pray for me, too, in those areas of my life with which I struggle.

God bless:)
 
Joe_5859 said:
The root meaning of the word “virtue” is “habit”. Virtue is a holy habit. And we create habits through repetition of action.
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Actually, I think it comes from the Latin virtus, meaning “strength” (Webster). Although, what you’re saying is right; we grow in the strength needed to avoid these temptations through good habits.
 
I do not share your struggle although I have battled and continue to battle certain addictive behavior. From that experience I’ve learned many many things from 12-step A-fellowships. I do not know whether or not OA is active in your area but you might want to try to locate a chapter.

I tried many times to stop my addictive behavior, when I finally hit bottom and realized that I had to stop, it still took me a solid 9 months to truly get relief from the obsessive complusive mindset. I never thought I’d have any chance to be free of the addiction while under the obsession.

Peace, g.
 
funion987 said:
Actually, I think it comes from the Latin virtus, meaning “strength” (Webster). Although, what you’re saying is right; we grow in the strength needed to avoid these temptations through good habits.
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Yes, you’re right. :o I’m getting my Grace and Virtue notes confused.
 
jason3477 said:
Maybe I’m being too scroupulous-I don’t know how to spell that word lol…

So what should I do???

Thanks…
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overeating is not necessarily the sin of gluttony. When you next are in confession ask the priest to help you understand the difference.
 
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