Firm Purpose of Amendment

[S_V7]

…yes I’m here again, but I have a good reason!

One of my sins is not paying enough attention to God and religious matters, among other things. My problem is that I’m unsure about my ‘firm purpose of amendment’, since I’m almost certain that I may commit this sin again (and others).

How does one make a good confession when one knows that he/she will commit the same sin again, venial sins in particular?

 

[mommyof4]

Oh my dear, you are beating yourself up over all of this!

A firm purpose of ammendment means that you will try to not do that same sin again, and you will try, won’t you?

We all have our sins that we need to confess all of the time - it happens- we’re only human.

 

[briang72]

…yes I’m here again, but I have a good reason!

One of my sins is not paying enough attention to God and religious matters, among other things. My problem is that I’m unsure about my ‘firm purpose of amendment’, since I’m almost certain that I may commit this sin again (and others).

How does one make a good confession when one knows that he/she will commit the same sin again, venial sins in particular?

One asks God for help. In the Act of Contrition, we say “I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occassion of sin.”

We must believe that God is capable of delivering us from the evils in our lives. When we start believing this, then we can have hope to not sin in the same manners again.

 

[baltobetsy]

One of my sins is not paying enough attention to God and religious matters, among other things.

Honey, your problem is just the opposite. You comb through the threads here and who knows where else, trying to find answers to your questions about God and religious matters. It seems to be on your mind quite a lot. You might be happier if you could relax a little about these things and just live your life. And I assure you, there’s nothing sinful in that.

You do not need to guarantee God that you will not sin again. You only need to try your best. If you’re not sorry enough to try your best, don’t confess the sin - assuming it’s a venial sin, that is. (Of course you have to confess and try your best on all the mortal sins.) God does not expect us to conquer every venial sin and imperfection all at once. Remember that venial sin does not sever the relationship with God or totally deprive you of sanctifying grace. If you, like most of us, have a raft of venial sins to conquer, it’s perfectly fine to attack them one or two at a time and leave the others unconfessed.

So, do you have an appointment with the priest yet?

Betsy

 

[S_V7]

So, do you have an appointment with the priest yet?

Betsy

Not exactly…this whole scrupulous ‘phase’ (I hope) has me so weary… I am hopefully for sure going tomorrow, at least make the apointment. I am both dreading and anticipating the event.

baltobetsy, I couldn’t have said it better myself. I just need a good wack and sound advice from my preist.

please, please pray for me, I am in desparate help for some…ahem…help.

 

[mommyof4]

Not exactly…this whole scrupulous ‘phase’ (I hope) has me so weary… I am hopefully for sure going tomorrow, at least make the apointment. I am both dreading and anticipating the event.

baltobetsy, I couldn’t have said it better myself. I just need a good wack and sound advice from my preist.

please, please pray for me, I am in desparate help for some…ahem…help.

Praying, sweetie. I go through scrupulous phases, too. Best thing to do is NOT to try to get your answers on CAF, but just go to your priest. He’s better able to answer your questions then some dude on the internet ( or dudette in my case).

 

[m134e5]

…yes I’m here again, but I have a good reason!

One of my sins is not paying enough attention to God and religious matters, among other things. My problem is that I’m unsure about my ‘firm purpose of amendment’, since I’m almost certain that I may commit this sin again (and others).

How does one make a good confession when one knows that he/she will commit the same sin again, venial sins in particular?

Your firm purpose of amendment doesn’t have to involve your emotions- it is a conscious choice- as is your contrition. Even if you like your sins, recognize that you love- or should love God more. If you didn’t care, chances are you probably wouldn’t be going to confession anyway- or even asking this question.

 

[LilyM]

‘Firm purpose’ means ‘firm resolve/resolution’. Being weak humans, most of us don’t keep our resolutions not to sin for very long, but I’m sure it’s not like you’re already plotting and planning your next sin whilst in the confessional or anything.

 

[puzzleannie]

Not exactly…this whole scrupulous ‘phase’ (I hope) has me so weary… I am hopefully for sure going tomorrow, at least make the apointment. I am both dreading and anticipating the event.

if this is indeed your battle it is the classic spiritual direction that you get advice only from your confessor, and it is dangerous to your spiritual health to rehash your confessions, and your other concerns on a forum like this, with friends, with strangers, or priest-shop for confessions. It will not help, it will hurt. Please find one priest for confession, follow his advice alone on spiritual reading, devotions, confession etc. we will of course be praying for you.