General question about forgiveness

  • Thread starter Thread starter uwwhitewater84
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
U

uwwhitewater84

Guest
I know that God forgives sins if we repent and are truly sorry for them.

However, what happens when old sins become so habitual that one always seems to fall back on them, no matter how much they pray for the strength to overcome them?

I see it as a contradiction of sorts to be sorry for sins, but to repeatedly commit the same sin.

Is God’s love unconditional? Is his forgiveness unconditional? Does God still love us in spite of our sins?
 
God never stops loving you.

Ask yourself some questions about your habitual sins:
Do you hate the sins, or harbor a secret affection for them? If it weren’t sinful, would you be first in line to do it?

When you say you are sorry, do you do as much as you can to avoid what leads you to the sins? This is purpose of amendment, which is necessary for forgiveness.

When you pray for help to overcome these sins, do you do it with confidence that God can and will help you?
You say that it seems to be a contradiction to be sorry but still repeat the sins. It is our human weakness that causes us to fall despite our sincere attempts to do better. If you hate the sins, avoid the near occasions and pray confidently for God’s help, you can be sure that you are doing all that is necessary and that God is pleased with your repentance.

Betsy
 
uwwhitewater84 said:
I know that God forgives sins if we repent and are truly sorry for them.

However, what happens when old sins become so habitual that one always seems to fall back on them, no matter how much they pray for the strength to overcome them?

I see it as a contradiction of sorts to be sorry for sins, but to repeatedly commit the same sin.

Is God’s love unconditional? Is his forgiveness unconditional? Does God still love us in spite of our sins?
Click to expand...
There is no definitive explanation in Tradition or Scripture of what Paul is referring to when he writes “…thorn in my flesh…three times I asked…my grace is sufficient.”
As a person who has dealt with powerful sinful addictions and by that very grace, overcame them, I encourage you to NOT stop asking, or considering the infinite mercy of God. (That would be a greater sin.) Remember, in Jewish teaching there were two unforgiveable sins - calumny and all sexual sin. Recall how Jesus responded to the woman caught in adultery. If the unforgiveable is forgiven by our Lord, then there is hope for us all.
God bless in your struggle. (Reliance on Him is what He is waiting for, not your own ability to overcome.) 🙂
 
Yes, God loves us no matter how great or how often our sins, as long as we are truely sorry.

You may find going to the sacrament of Penance more often will be helpful, as God gives us much grace so we can be strong.
 
The thought that came to my mind tonight is that God’s love and ability to forgive goes way beyond our human understanding. We know its there and we can accept it should we choose to, but that it is too much for our minds to completely take in.

Is that a safe assessment?
 
Never ever doubt Gods love for you or His unconditional forgiveness, Satan would like you to think there might be something God will never forgive, not so. Habitual sins are hard, keep praying and trying with Gods help and grace He will give you to gradually overcome these sins.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top