Mortal sin and the destruction of charity

[TheAdvocate]

I’m having trouble grasping this concept:

Mortal sin destroys charity in the heart of man by a grave violation of God’s law CCC 1855

Does this mean that one who commits a mortal sin ceases to love God? It would seems to me that the already destroyed charity would lead to the mortal sin, rather than the mortal sin leading to the destruction of charity.

Thanks to all who will respond.

 

[JRKH]

I’m having trouble grasping this concept:

Mortal sin destroys charity in the heart of man by a grave violation of God’s law CCC 1855

Does this mean that one who commits a mortal sin ceases to love God? It would seems to me that the already destroyed charity would lead to the mortal sin, rather than the mortal sin leading to the destruction of charity.

Thanks to all who will respond.

You are on the right track here for sure. It’s kind of like where Jesus is talking about Lusting in your heart.

I think that the action of carrying out some grave sin, and not repenting of it, does add tremendously to the destruction of charity though.
As an example, lets say you are talking with a co-worker about some issue or other with a third co-worker. Your friend says “I’d like to just slap him”. This, catches you off guard adn you are offended by it. but if your friend gets up and DOES it, it makes an entirely different impression and demonstrates another level of anger.
Does that make any sense?

Peace
James

 

[Tybourne]

A picture paints a thousand words. Charity is the ‘rope’ that joins us to God. God throws down the rope, we climb up it. When we deliberately let go of the rope, the link is broken. It takes a decisive action of God, in the Sacrament of Penance, to restore it:

http://www.radiantlight.org.uk/cms_images_resources/T-11306A-CW_large.jpg

By Elizabeth Wang

 

[Big_Ro]

I’m no expert, but the parable of the unjust steward in Luke sprang to mind as I read your post. I have always struggled with this parable. I’m wondering if it applies and maybe some of those more learned than I will help me to understand in the process.

 

[Tybourne]

Here’s another one:

To intercede for someone trapped in grave sin is like holding out a hand to a man trapped on a broken ladder, with only Hell below.

http://www.radiantlight.org.uk/cms_images_resources/T-06929B-CW_large.jpg

 

[revert_jen]

Does this mean that one who commits a mortal sin ceases to love God? It would seems to me that the already destroyed charity would lead to the mortal sin, rather than the mortal sin leading to the destruction of charity.

Here’s my take on it: All love comes from God. When we love God himself we are merely returning a small portion of the love that He has given us. When we commit a mortal sin, we are breaking with God, and basically the return channel is severed on our end.

Before we commit the mortal sin, the connection is still there but as always we have (because of free will) the option to refuse to return any of the love that God gives us. So, when we commit a mortal sin, we are deciding not to love God, but after that we aren’t really able to love God.

HOWEVER, God loves us all the time, no matter what. That love is what grows in our hearts as repentance and leads to Reconciliation and the reopening of the channel.

Just my :twocents:. I am not a theologian.

–Jen

 

[Karmartia]

I’m no expert, but the parable of the unjust steward in Luke sprang to mind as I read your post. I have always struggled with this parable. I’m wondering if it applies and maybe some of those more learned than I will help me to understand in the process.

All the steward was doing in the parable was foregoing his commission in the hopes of currying favor. I’m not altogether sure this is what would be generally considered charitable behavior, but I’m sure the steward thought it was. In that sense it does apply.
He had been commiting the mortal sin of usury, but when push came to shove, he saw what he percieved as charity as the only recourse. It was credited to him by Christ, who obviously appreciates when we at least make an effort.

 

[Big_Ro]

Thank you for your response Karmartia. Most of the commentaries I’ve read on the Parable of the Unjust Steward more or less concur with your take on the situation. Clearly, the steward was looking to curry favor with his neighbors because he was sure that once the punishment was handed down, he would need the charity of others in order to survive. Now, I’m just thinking out loud, but maybe the stewards actions are telling us that though we are sinners, we always have the opportunity to repent. The problem is that the steward IMHO seems to take actions out of a selfish motivation. But, maybe, he is still demonstrating a faith, which is credited as righteousness, because he takes the action expecting mercy. Mercy from either the neighbors who might take pity on him or perhaps the Master that after seeing what he has done will relent in his anger. It’ like the people of Nineveh!! I don’t know. I really appreciate this discussion. Thanks.

Peace be with you.

 

[DL82]

Thank you for your response Karmartia. Most of the commentaries I’ve read on the Parable of the Unjust Steward more or less concur with your take on the situation. Clearly, the steward was looking to curry favor with his neighbors because he was sure that once the punishment was handed down, he would need the charity of others in order to survive. Now, I’m just thinking out loud, but maybe the stewards actions are telling us that though we are sinners, we always have the opportunity to repent. The problem is that the steward IMHO seems to take actions out of a selfish motivation. But, maybe, he is still demonstrating a faith, which is credited as righteousness, because he takes the action expecting mercy. Mercy from either the neighbors who might take pity on him or perhaps the Master that after seeing what he has done will relent in his anger. It’ like the people of Nineveh!! I don’t know. I really appreciate this discussion. Thanks.

Peace be with you.

That sounds pretty much like a definition of imperfect contrition, contrition out of selfish motives or fear, which is enough to forgive our sins in Confession.

What this discussion has made me wonder, however, is if I still feel a desire to pray and to thank God and do acts of charity, does that mean I’m not in a state of mortal sin?

 

[EmeraldWings]

well, charity is a virtue by which we love God above all else for Gods own sake, and love others for Gods sake, It can be bestowed only by divine grace. Because it is infused along with sanctifying grace, a person who has lost the supernatural virtue of charity has lost the state of grace, likewise, if we were to lose the state of grace, we would lose charity, why? well if charity is the loving of God above all else for Gods own sake, then what is mortal sin? mortal sin is turning away from God, disregarding Him and defying Him, it is a spiritual death, and when we commit a mortal sin, we are doing the opposite of what charity does, charity puts God above all else, but mortal sin puts all above(or before) God,
and although charity is destroyed by mortal sin, that is not to say that it can’t be given back, when you go to confession and are absolved from your mortal sins, then you get your sanctifying grace back, along with your charity, and the merits of all your good works while in the state of grace,

so, the charity is destroyed because you are choosing other things over God, which you do willingly, and in which case your love for God is obviously decreased.
although that passage may be referring more to those who choose to live long periods in mortal sin…i don’t really know, just suggesting it.