Do I have to reconfess this?

[Catherine1]

There is a sin that I have confessed multiple times in the past because I keep remembering details about it that make it worse. A few years back in the parish I used to go to,one of the priests who regularly heard confessions asked me to stop confessing it. He had non idea who I was, but had heard my confession multiple times and recognized this sin and my voice no doubt. For years this delivered me from the pain of confessing this sin over, but now I have thought of another deatil about this sin that really does make it worse and though I believe I have confessed it to some degree, I haven’t confessed it well enough. Again, I’m not beig picky, it really does make it worse. Should I reconfess this this sin, or should I not? I know I don’t offer much context, I’ve just been literally worried sick over this.

 

[Roseeurekacross]

If you can’t let this go, please seek professional help.

It’s already confessed, you are absolved. That’s an end to it as far as confession goes.

Do you need to do time for this absolved sin?

 

[FiveLinden]

This sounds like OCD. I can’t give you advice but suggest you run the possibility past your doctor or a clinical psychologist. It’s not religious. It’s chemical. Then you can resume your religious life.

 

[Catherine1]

No, there was no criminal offense, especially because I was 6 or 7. It was more a sin with my intention and feelings at the time.

 

[Catherine1]

I do actually have OCD, but I don’t want to use my illness to hide my sins. I sometimes feel like this is what I am trying to do.

 

[Roseeurekacross]

With this, be assured you are confessed, absolved, and really need to forget about this.

Could you get benefit from a professional helping you?

 

[FiveLinden]

I do actually have OCD, but I don’t want to use my illness to hide my sins. I sometimes feel like this is what I am trying to do

Please understand that if you were to become an atheist, or a Muslim, or a Hindu your OCD would continue, interpreted through those belief systems. It is not a religious problem. OCD can be treated successfully. Please seek help and do not think that an improvement in your condition is not possible. In some cases simple drugs solve the problem. in other cases talking therapy. Some cases are harder to deal with. But the fact that similar repetitive thoughts and compulsions (if any) happen to human beings of all beliefs should help convince you that your experience, although it appears religious, is no more religious than the common cold. Seek professional advice. And know that you are a normal human being experiencing something shared with hundreds of millions of others over the years.

 

[Catherine1]

I am in the process of getting a therapist for my OCD, but I feel anxious about sharing things like my sins with her. I don’t know if Inhave to be specific, but I Yes, I am trying to get professional help. And thank you, I still feel anxious, but I’ll try harder to keep those feelings at bay.

 

[LaetenturCaeli12]

I do actually have OCD, but I don’t want to use my illness to hide my sins

Yes, but this will be a way in which the evil one consistently attacks you. So it’s necessary to distinguish between making excuses and having a weakness exploited.

It would be best to leave this in Jesus’ hands. “Lord, I’ve tried to do all that I can do with regard to this sin. And now I trust in You and in Your mercy.” Maybe pray that over and over again when you are being attacked.

Rather than focusing on God not forgiving you because of a technicality—which is how the tempter wants you to see things—think instead of God’s love for you and how dearly Jesus wants to be with you for all eternity. Don’t be robbed of the peace of Christ simply because the evil one is envious of what you’ve been given.

Trust in Him always, even when it’s hard.

 

[Alexander]

No, there was no criminal offense, especially because I was 6 or 7. It was more a sin with my intention and feelings at the time.

You should look into the age of reason. You may not be even held accountable because of your developing moral compass at the time. Also as someone that young I have misbelief you had full knowledge of your relationship with god. Mortal sins are pretty hard for a young kid to commit.