Where exactly does willingly begin and end? Can you struggle with something for hours and days, give in, and it still be considered willingly and thus be under grave sin?
Where exactly does willingly begin and end? Can you struggle with something for hours and days, give in, and it still be considered willingly and thus be under grave sin?
Yes and no. Sin is first in the will. So the struggle often amounts to a repression or expression of an action that seems desirable even if it conflicts with the intellect. As one struggles…the question perhaps should shift from how does one avoid committing the desired action to why that desire to sin exists in the first place? A conversion of will leads to a cessation of sinful action.
Depends. If you fall because you said, “Oh, the heck with this fight,” that sounds like you are willing. But it still might not be full consent of the will.
But if you fall, and then say, “Oh, no, I’ve done it again!” that sounds like you were unwilling.
The best thing is to take it up with your confessor. Then you can discuss the details, and come to a conclusion.
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