Is it a sin to begin heading toward something sinful, but then stopping?

[upbeatjonm]

If you willfully begin to wander towards something you know will lead to sin, such as doing a search on the internet for some impure images, but then stop and turn away before actually observing it, is that still sinful? Sometimes this happens to me, and I want to believe it is the Holy Spirit guiding my conscience. But I know I shouldn’t do something which leads to sin.

 

[whatevergirl]

If you willfully begin to wander towards something you know will lead to sin, such as doing a search on the internet for some impure images, but then stop and turn away before actually observing it, is that still sinful? Sometimes this happens to me, and I want to believe it is the Holy Spirit guiding my conscience. But I know I shouldn’t do something which leads to sin.

I think the fact that you willingly turn away from it…would be that your conscience is becoming well formed…guided by the Holy Spirit. I think that if we ponder the wrong things too often, over time we can end up doing the very thing we wish we wouldn’t do. So…keep up the great work…the Holy Spirit is at work in your life…thanks be to God…and pray for your thoughts to be pure. Even go as far as to confess those thoughts in confession. I have done that when I have a thought enter my mind…and it flickers out. I actually asked the priest this weekend, in addition to a few other questions during confession, if having fleeting thoughts of impurity are sinful? He said that the devil tried to tempt Jesus, but He told the devil to be gone. When we have these thoughts…tell the devil to ‘be gone.’

Just my 2 cents. God bless you!

 

[Ramalama]

If you willfully begin to wander towards something you know will lead to sin, such as doing a search on the internet for some impure images, but then stop and turn away before actually observing it, is that still sinful? Sometimes this happens to me, and I want to believe it is the Holy Spirit guiding my conscience. But I know I shouldn’t do something which leads to sin.

Regardless of whether or not it’s a sin, it isn’t good. Of course you know that. May I suggest putting a crucifix or rosary on the monitor? You might be better able to control your impulses.

God bless you. Remember prayer works to avoid temtation. Try one of the many prayers to St. Michael. I’ll be praying for you.

 

[jmj603]

Is it a sin to begin heading toward something sinful, but then stopping?

It sounds like you are describing two distinct acts. Perhaps one is sinful and the other virtuous?

If you sin, the important thing is that you don’t let the devil use your sin against you to cause you to despair and commit more sin. Rejoice that God has given you some virtue, and be assured that with patience and humility and, above all else God’s grace, you can let Him conquer your sins!

A boundless source of God’s grace can be found in His Sacraments, and grace can also be obtained through Eucharistic Adoration, the devout recitation of the Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet, etc. When seriously tempted, pray “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.”

 

[brotherjoe]

If you willfully begin to wander towards something you know will lead to sin, such as doing a search on the internet for some impure images, but then stop and turn away before actually observing it, is that still sinful?

NO, you id…hmmm, guess I really shouldn’t respond that way…I’m glad I stopped myself.

 

[upbeatjonm]

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers.

 

[m134e5]

If you willfully begin to wander towards something you know will lead to sin, such as doing a search on the internet for some impure images, but then stop and turn away before actually observing it, is that still sinful? Sometimes this happens to me, and I want to believe it is the Holy Spirit guiding my conscience. But I know I shouldn’t do something which leads to sin.

It is probably a venial sin- not a mortal one. Mortal sins involve willfully turning away from God. In times like this, you start to- but you stop yourself. I’d still go to confession though.

 

[true_believer]

I would say that it isn’t good to head towards sin, but the fact that you do turn away from something sinful keeps it from being a sin, (in my opinion).

I would just advise you to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and to ask Jesus to help you during times of temptation - after all, he was tempted for 40 days by the devil.