Habitual dishonesty and Mortal Sin

[YehoiakhinEx232]

I have had a habit of being dishonest in the past and yesterday, I twice blurted out something dishonest and either immediately or a long time afterwards I started to feel really guilty about it. Does having a habit of dishonesty make otherwise venial sins dishonesty mortal? or are they still venial and I’m just being scrupulous about them? Right now I feel as though they are venial, but I want to know for sure.

Glory to God!
and
Hail Mary!

 

[Holly3278]

Whether or not a lie is a grave matter or not is dependent on the nature of the lie. For example, lying about having a college degree in order to get a job would likely be grave matter but lying about what you ate for lunch likely would not be grave matter.

ronconte.wordpress.com/2011/02/17/when-is-lying-a-mortal-sin/

 

[Roseeurekacross]

Please speak to your Priest. You identify you have scruples, anything we say here might cause more distress and angst then help you.

Pleaee also remember God forgives! All we need do is ask. Amother great reason to seek counsel from your Priest.

 

[fred_conty]

I have had a habit of being dishonest in the past and yesterday, I twice blurted out something dishonest and either immediately or a long time afterwards I started to feel really guilty about it. Does having a habit of dishonesty make otherwise venial sins dishonesty mortal? or are they still venial and I’m just being scrupulous about them? Right now I feel as though they are venial, but I want to know for sure.

Glory to God!
and
Hail Mary!

In little things, lies are not serious even if habitual. And no amount of venial sins would ever accumulate into a mortal sin. Not possible.

However venial sins do weaken our will and our resolve so that when confronted with a serious sin, we will more easily give into that. A big reason for practicing self denial and mortification is to strengthen our will so that in times of trial we can say no. Venial sin after venial sin means we are giving in to easily, and our will becomes like a wet noodle.

You may want to think about making one act of deliberate self denial a day to help you become stronger in will power. Especially during the season of Lent. And offer it out of love for Jesus from your heart.