Imperfect contrition?

[duskyjewel]

I committed a sin, which is a one-time act that cannot be repeated, and then realized I needed to go to confession. At the time of confession, I did truly regret my decision and was honest when asked if I would do it again and said, “No.”

I was absolved.

However, at times, I see certain advantages to existing in the state I now find myself in. Of course, at the same time, I am reminded of the disadvantages. But what I want to know is this:

If I can see advantages to existing as I am now, which came about as the result of the sin I confessed, is my contrition imperfect, and am I then not truly absolved?

 

[cam100]

First of all, the term “imperfect contrition” technically means that you are sorry for a sin because you fear the consequences, not solely because you offended God. When paired with confession, however, even this “imperfect contrition” is sufficient to obtain forgiveness. It seems what you meant by “imperfect contrition”, however, is that you fear you weren’t truly sorry. But from your story, it sounds to me as if you WERE truly sorry when you confessed. The thoughts you are having now seem to be temptations that you should try to get rid of, but the sin that originally caused them is forgiven.

 

[AHapka]

honest when asked if I would do it again and said, “No.”

That means contrition. Whether or not it was perfect or imperfect contrition is a matter between you and God. In any event, it sufficed for the sacrament and you were truly absolved (subject to the usual conditions, of course (didn’t omit any mortal sins, proper form, etc.)).

While the sin may have had some advantages, it had a bigger disadvantage of distancing you from God as well as consequences you may not yet be aware of (or ever in this life).

If you really did gain in some measure from this sin, my advice would be 1) don’t exploit it and 2) offer a penance of some sort to God to make up for the illicit gain.

And I would urge you not to doubt the absolution. That’s part of the reason Jesus gave us the sacrament (and all sacraments, really), so that we wouldn’t have to wonder if God was working in our lives. As some holy men have said on EWTN, the benefits of the sacraments are Jesus is GUARANTEEING He’ll show up. As an example, we know for sure Jesus is present in the Eucharist because we are doing it the way he instructed, so therefore we don’t need to wonder at each Mass if Jesus is showing up. The same goes for confession. Proper form and proper matter means Jesus showed up and you were absolved.

Now go enjoy your state of grace and offer glory to God

Andy

 

[teachccd]

cam100 hit the nail on the head. When I had confessed having a vasectomy, I was REALLY sorry and realized what a dumb decision I had made. But over the course of time the thoughts have crossed my mind that the advantages might be welcomed. While I did, and perhaps still do, think in that direction, my sin was totally forgiven in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. That was one of the biggest regrets of my life. If I had the opportunity I would have never made that decision. God knows that and so these fleeting thoughts can pair up with the many other unwelcomed thoughts and sail away.

Imperfect contrition has nothing to do with this…God Bless…teachccd